The family of Best in America of Holland descent : with copious biographical notes, 1700-1901

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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL
GENEALOGY COLLECTsON

ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY

3 1833 01798 2411

FIFTY PRINTED
No. „_

BEST FAMILY

WITH BIOGRAPHICAL NOTES

THE CREST OF BEEST, IN THE
NETHERLANDS

The Crest of the Dutch village of Beest dates back to the Crusades.
Citizens of the town enlisted under the banner of the German
Emperor, Frederick Barbarossa. In grateful recognition of this service
bv her citizens, the Emperor and the Patriarchs of |erusalem joined
in bestowing upon the town of Beest this Crest.

THE FAMILY OF BEST

I n America
Of Holland Descent

With Copious

Biographical Notes

1700-1901

by

CHARLES BEST BENSON

Author of the "Van Deusen Genealogy," " A Lark in Ancient Gardens," etc.

Copyright, 1909, by
Charles Best Benson

Ube ftnicl>ecl>ocliec C>re00, mew fi?orft

1352886

^0

M. S. B.

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

PAGE

Coat-of-Arms ..... Frontispiece

Original Appointment of Jacob W. Best as

Lieutenant ....... 41

Col. Clermont L. Best
Major C. L. Best, Jr.
Dr. George E. Benson
Charles B. Benson
Chart of the Best Family

51

132
136
174

BEST FAMILY

FOREWORD

THE early records of the Dutch and Lutheran churches
in New York State, and especially of the churches
about the Hudson River, from New York to Albany, were
translated for the Holland Society of New York City a few
years ago. These records, now in the Archives of the
Society, are not available, ordinarily, to non-members.
For the purpose of solving some of the many difficulties
which confronted me in compiling the Van Deusen Gene-
alogy, upon which I was then (1900) engaged, I made, in
connection therewith, an exhaustive search of the records
of the following churches, for the furtherance of this com-
pilation, the Marriage and Baptismal records, and the
Minutes of the Consistory, from 1683, in each church,
except as otherwise stated: Albany (Dutch), to 1760;
Claverack (Dutch), to 1787; Churchtown (Lutheran),
to 1820; Johnstown (Dutch), to 1780; Kinderhook (Dutch),
to 1784; Kingston (Dutch), from 1639 to 1801; Schenectady
(Dutch), from 1680 to 1901; Ghent (Dutch and Lutheran),
from beginning to 1901. In addition to the church records
hundred of volumes of historical, biographical, and mis-
cellaneous publications have been minutely examined,
some of which are very scarce and exceedingly difficult to
consult, except in a few private libraries, for genealogical
notes and sketches and information relating to the founders
of the Best family. It may be needless to say that the
material has taken years to collect, caused much fatigue
of travel, and necessitated voluminous correspondence.
The author of these pages has endeavored to set forth not
only the essential data of genealogical research but also
such material as will illuminate the domestic and social
life of an interesting period. Details, humble in them-

XIV BEST GENEALOGY

selves, framed in words and spelling of colonial simplicity,
have seemed to have a significance which should interest
not only the descendants, but, in a degree, the student
of history and genealogy. Other sources of information
have not been slighted; and the various offices of record,
miscellaneous documents, bible records, local histories,
and gravestone inscriptions have been examined, and duly
credited in all instances.

The author is especially indebted to Mr. Robert M.
Terry, of Hudson, N. Y., for the loan of portraits of Colonel
Clermont L. Best, and Major C. L. Best, Jr.; acknowledg-
ment is also due to others for portraits reproduced here.

The Bests were noted for large families, and the children
were nearly all named after some member of a previous
generation. The Johns, Jacobs, Peters, and EHzabeths
were not allowed to pass out of existence. New names
were rarely given to the children, and very few of them
remained unmarried.

The system of numbering adopted is the simplest so far
devised; and no difficulty, therefrom, will be encountered.

Three classes of numbers are used, viz. :

I Consecutive. These figures begin with No. 1, and
are found in and constitute the left hand column of the
book.

II Family. These are taken from the consecutive
numbers and placed over the head of the family of the
person they stand for in the consecutive column.

III Reference. These are taken also from the con-
secutive column and placed in parenthesis before certain
names in order to show relationship and intermarriages.

C. B. B.

BEST GENEALOGY

DR. JOHNSON, in speaking of the writing of Diction-
aries, which would apply equally as well to Gene-
alogies, observes of the authors: "whom mankind have
considered, not as the pupils, but the slaves of science,
the pioneers of literature, doomed only to remove rubbish
and clear obstructions from the paths through which
learning and genius press forward to conquest and glory.
. . . Every other author may aspire to praise, the lexi-
cographer can only hope to escape reproach, and even
this negative recompense has been yet granted to very
few. "

So to mark the paths for future researches beyond the
confines of this country, let us examine for the name, or
similar name, into the histories and biographies of other
countries for the impress it has made on the records of early
days. My object is to interest, not to convince, and to
clear the boards before entering upon the more serious
pursuit of the name in the records of our own country.

In Phillips' Dictionary of Biographical Reference we find
the following: George Best, English Preacher and Author;
d. 1609. Jean Best, French Engraver and Printer; b.
1808. John Best, Bishop of Carlyle, 1561; d. 1570. Wil-
lem Best, Dutch Jurist and Author; 1683-17 19. William
Draper Best, Chief Justice of the Common Pleas (1824);
1 767-1845. Dominic de Bast, Dutch Landscape Painter;
1800. Friederick-Jacob Bast, German Diplomatist and
Hellenist; 17 7 2-1 81 2. Louis Amedee de Bast, French
Novelist; b. 1795. Martin- Jean de Bast, Flemish Archaeo-
logist and Priest; 1753-1825. Peter Bast, Engraver, 1598.
1

2 BEST GENEALOGY

Burke's General Armory (1884) gives the names of
fifteen Bests and three Bests who had been knighted and
had coats of arms; many of these possessed crests. For
example, one will suffice: "De Best, James (London,
granted 4 July, 161 7 by Camden, Clarenceux, to James
De Best, of London, a free denizen, son of James De Best,
of Flanders). Ar. on a fesse az. betw. three dragons'
heads erased gu. as many fleurs-de-lis or. Crest — On a
mural coronet or, a fieur-de-lis per pale gold and az. betw.
two laurel branches vert. "

In the Dictionary of National Biography we have the
following, which is quoted somewhat at length: George
Best (d. 1584?), navigator, accompanied Martin Frobisher
in the three voyages undertaken (in 1576, 1577, and 1578)
to discover the Northwest Passage, and published, on the
return from the third voyage in 1578, "A Trve Discovrse
of the late voyages of discouerie, for the finding of a passage
to Cathaya, by the Northweast, vnder the conduct of Martin
Frobisher, generall; deuided into three Bookes. In the
first whereof is shewed his first voyage. Wherein also by
the way is sette out a geographicall description of the
worlde and what partes thereof haue bin discouered by
the Nauigations of the Englishmen. Also there are an-
nexed certayne reasons to proue all partes of the Worlde
habitable, with a generall Mappe adioyned. In the second
is set out his second voyage, with the aduentures and
accidents thereof. In the thirde is declared the strange
fortunes which hapned in the third, with a seuerall de-
scription of the Countrey and the people there inhabiting.
With a particular Card therevnto adioyned of Meta incog-
nita, so farre forth as the secretes of the voyage may
permit. At London. Imprinted by Henry Byimyman,
seruant of the Right Honourable Sir Christopher Hatton,
Vizchamberlain. Anno Domini 1578." 4to, black letter.
The book, which is of the highest rarity, is dedicated to

BEST GENEALOGY 3

Sir Christopher Hatton. In the third voyage the fleet
consisted of seventeen ships. Best was captain of the
Jane Anne. The adventures through which the voyagers
passed are described graphically and quaintly. At the
time of its publication the narrative attracted much atten-
tion. A French translation appeared in the same year, under
the title of "La Navigation du Cap. Martin Frobisher
Anglois es regions de west et nordwest en I'ann^e 1577,
Pour AntoineChuppen." 8vo. In 1580 a Latin translation
(from the French) of the account of the second voyage was
published at Norenberg. Two years later an Italian version
appeared at Naples. A second translation (from the French)
was issued nearly a century afterwards, in 167 5 , at Hamburg.
Best's narrative was included in the third volume of Hak-
luyt's "Voyages," 1600, and reprinted in 1867 by the
Hakluyt Society. A George Best, servant to Sir Chris-
topher Hatton, was killed in a duel about March, 1583/4,
by OHver St. John, afterwards Viscount Grandison. This
person is doubtless to be identified with the writer of the
"Trve Discovrse. " Another George Best, Fellow of Jesus
College, Cambridge, was instituted to the vicarage of All
Saints, Cambridge, in 1572, and to the rectory of St,
Dunstan-in-the-East, London, in 1596. He died in Nov.,
1609. (See " Athenae Cantabrigienses," ii., 524. Also " A
Trve Discovrse of the late Voyages of Discouerie, &c.,"
edited by Rear-Admiral Richard Collinson, Hakluyt So-
ciety's Publications, 1867; Nicolas's "Hatton," 366;
Herbert's "Ames," 982.)

Paul Best (i59o?-i657), controversialist, comes of a
family which had been long of the gentry in the North
Riding of Yorkshire; but his father, James Best, having
removed to the East Riding, was resident in the rectory-
house of Hatton Cranswick, near Driffield, known as the
burial-place of Alfred, King of Northumbria. Here it is
believed Paul was born about 1590. In 1598 his father

4 BEST GENEALOGY

purchased the manor of Emswell about two miles from
Driffield, for ;£205o. It had been a monastery of St.
Mary of York, and in possession of Sir Thomas Crompton.
James Best, as was the wont then with squires, cultivated
his own land and grew rich. Dying in April, 1617, he
left in his will competent portions to his younger children,
and his manor of Emswell and messuages at Beverly to Paul,
the eldest son. Paul was at the University of Cambridge
when the message reached him of his father's death. From
a manuscript of Rev. Roger Ley, we learn that Paul was
of Jesus College, Cambridge, having Sir William Boswell,
afterwards ambassador for England at The Hague, as his
tutor, and this Roger Ley as his fellow-student and "in-
timate." In September, 1617, he left Jesus, and became a
fellow of Catharine Hall. His father, who was most
probably a puritan, had meant him to be of Emmanuel.
On 13 February, 1618, he parted with his manor of Ems-
well to his younger brother Henry for the sum of ;£220o,
which was paid him as an annuity for his life. Of his charac-
ter while at the university Ley thus writes : "In wit he sur-
passed the ordinary sort, and had a mighty reach. Yet
was he more nimble than staid. His quaint and curious
searches in philosophy above the ordinary strain made me
and others much admire him. For a serious study he
excelled in the mathematics, and for a pleasantrie in
poetry." Verses by P. B. prefixed to Robert Anten's
"Vice's Anatomy" (1617) have been assigned to him, but
this P. B. was of Magdalen College. The only poetry by
him now traceable is a copy of verses "to Christ." On
leaving Cambridge he followed uncertain courses. He
proceeded to the continent, and mingled a good deal with
educated and " disputative " men of the period. He is
found in Germany in 1624, and in Poland, and as a soldier
under Gustavus Adolphus, but Ley, his biographer, does
not claim for him military renown. "If he had any good
military parts," he says, "I may say he was able tam

BEST GENEALOGY 6

Marte quam Mercurio. Fit to hold discourse with any man
he was, and an excellent companion." Ley continues:
"He fell to dispute often where he had opportunity, as in
the university of Gryphiswald in Pomerania — where
Priscian was slain. In these northern parts of Germany,
and also Poland and Transylvania, places not free from
error, he unhappily disputed with some anti-trinitarians,
and more adhering to carnal reason than to mysteries of
faith, he was drawn to the dangerous opinion, the denial
of our Saviour's divinity." His return was preceded by
some years of retirement in Germany, chiefly spent in the
study of unitarian theology. His annuity from the sale
of Emswell is traced as having been paid 26 May, 1628,
also in 1632 at Emswell, and again upon August, 1632 and
1634. The chronology is not exact, but after-allusions
bring him before us as a sufferer for his opinions. Having
written out his conclusions on the doctrine of the Trinity,
he submitted his "loose papers" to the Rev. Roger Ley
for his judgment. The manuscript was sent privately
and in confidence. Ley appears to have instantly made
the "loose papers" public by bringing them under the
notice of those in authority. Best never changed in this
allegation. In his last pamphlet, "Mysteries Discovered,"
in a reiterated copy of his "Humble Petition," he expressly
places it on record that he had been a close prisoner ever
since the 14 February, 1644/5) "onely for his presumed
reason or opinion committed to a minister (a supposed
friend) for his judgment and advice onely." Be this as
it may, all we learn is that Roger Ley and other divines
were assiduous and earnest in their visits and reasonings
with the prisoner. Roger Ley's manuscript, as well as
Whitelocke's "Memorial of the English Affairs during the
Reign of Charles I," enables us to go behind the scenes so
far. Best is represented as having applied "the most
profane epithets to the doctrine of the Trinity," calHng it
"a mystery of iniquity, a three-headed monster, a figment,

6 BEST GENEALOGY

a tradition of Rome, monstrum biforme and triforme,"
etc. For this he was committed to the Gatehouse 14 Feb.,
1644/5. After several examinations, on 28 March, 1645/6,
the house voted that he be hanged for his offence. On
23 Nov. a provision affirming the lawfulness of capital
punishment for heresy was carried but it was not till 2
May, 1648, that the ordinance was actually passed, and
by that date Best had been released. In 1646 Best drew
up "A letter of Advice vnto the Ministers at Westminister,
with severall consideration — The porsibility of a here-
tick's repentance, so long as he lives, and such as do any
wayes cause him to dye in heresie, as much as in them
lyes, do effectually damn him eternally; and consequently,
that Paul Best (what-ever his errours be at present), as
well as Paul the Apostle, once a blasphemer, may one day
become a convert, if he be not untimely st arved to death
beforehand, 1646" (in MS. marked 28 April). Having
launched his "Letter of Advice," Best set about the prepara-
tion of a respectful petition to the House of Commons.
He appealed to the house to "be pleased to take notice"
that he had been "eighteen months imprissoned, with
what impairing of his substance" he forbore stating.
The petition sought release or a "speedie hearing." This
was on 13 Aug., 1646. Still his release lingered. He once
more appealed to the authorities in a treatise entitled
"Mysteries Discovered, or a Memoriall Picture pointing out
the Way from Babylon to the Holy City, for the good of all
such as during that night of general errour and apostacie
(2 Thess. ii., 3 ; Revel, iii., 10) have been so long misled with
Rome's hobgoblins. By me, Paul Best, Prisoner in the
Gatehouse, Westminster, 1647." This is an appeal to jus-
tice, and a defence against the charges brought against him.
On the blank spaces of the Bodleian copy is a manuscript
anti-trinitarian note in Latin, which was supposed by
Brook Aspland to be in Milton's autograph. It seems
most probable that Cromwell at last interfered. However

BEST GENEALOGY 7

it came about, he was silently released towards the close
of 1647. He quietly returned to his family seat. His
brother Henry was then dead, and had been succeeded
in Emswell by his son, John Best, to whom by some ar-
rangement Paul (his uncle) surrendered his annuity on
22 Jan., 1651/2, and with what of his fortune he had left,
cultivated a farm. He still pursued his old studies, and
masses of his manuscripts were left behind at his death-
The parish register of Little Driffield gives the dates of
birth and burial: "1657, Paul Best, Master of Arts, died
at Great Driffield 17 Sept. and was buried at Little Drif-
field 19 Sept. in the churchyard." (Ley's MS., in pos-
session of H. B. Bright, and latterly of Joseph Hunter,
from the Chorus Vatum ; letters from Rev. Horace Newton,
Driffield; Wallace's "Anti-Trinitarian Biography," i., 87,
iii., 161; Whitelocke's "Memorials"; Neal, iii., 292; Best's
Works.)

Thomas Best (i57o?-i638?), captain-of the navy, was
probably the son of Captain George Best, the companion
of Frobisher in the Arctic voyages (Hakluyt, iii., 47- 60,
75, etc.; "Calendar of State Papers, East Indies," 1513-
161 6, see index). He went first to sea about 1583 ("Best to
Conway, 13 July, 1623), being then presumably about
thirteen (13) years old; and yet he is referred to as being
in 1598 a man of substance and repute, well known in
Ratcliff and Limehouse (Rundall's " Memorials of the Em-
pire of Japan," — Hakluyt Society, — 29). He was appointed
30 Dec, 1611, to command the RedDragon,a ship of some
600 tons and 200 men, then fitting for a voyage to the East
Indies, and accompanied by the Osiander pinnace, he sailed
from Gravesend on 5 Feb., 1611/12. He arrived at Surat
in the beginning of September, to the great annoyance of
the Portuguese, who had previously established them-
selves in the country. They collected a force of four
galleons, each as large as the Dragon, and some twenty

8 BEST GENEALOGY

small craft, rowboats carrying many men, and on the 29
Oct. appeared off the mouth of the river, where they hoped
to surprise the English. Best, in the Dragon, at once
weighed, stood out to meet them, and passed between two
of their ships, firing into each. This caused the Portuguese
to pause. The darkness closed in, and they had to anchor
for the night. The next morning the Osiander also came
out, and when three of the galleons, in trying to avoid the
Dragon, got on shore, the Osiander, drawing little water,
" danced the hay about them, and so payed them that they
durst not show a man on their decks. " The fight con-
tinued till dark of the second day. The third day was
very similar to the second. Towards evening the Portu-
guese drew back and attempted to burn the Dragon by
means of a hastily equipped fireship. This Best succeeded
in sinking before she got dangerously near, and so the
fight ended. The loss of the English was returned as
three killed and one wounded; that of the Portuguese was
certainly very heavy (Purchas, i., 482). Some few days
later the Portuguese attempted a further attack, when
Best, again standing out to sea, engaged them with such
resolution and skill that after four hours' severe fighting
they made all sail to get away. The fight was witnessed
by thousands on the shore.

The Great Mogul was now quite willing to recognize the
English as having rights equal to those of the Portuguese.
The English trade was placed on a permanent footing, and
The birth of the English power in India may properly be
dated from this November, 1612, rather than from any of
the semi-piratical voyages of previous years. In January,
1612/13, Best in the Dragon, accompained hy the Osiander,
left Surat, and, passing down the coast, crossed over to
Acheen, where he arrived on 12 April. He described
(12 July) the king and people as very " griping, base, and
covetous." All trade was forbidden except at Acheen; but
by releasing a Portuguese whom he had captured, he sue-

BEST GENEALOGY 9

ceeded in winning the favor of the king, who gave him
the title of "Orancaya pute," which is "white or clear-
hearted lord. " He also obtained permission to open a trade
with Siam, and received assurance of good entertainment.
At Bantam he obtained a grant of land on which to build
warehouses, and when, having got a full cargo, he sailed
in November on the return voyage, the Company's affairs
in the East were far more satisfactorily settled than before.
The Red Dragon, "richly laden," arrived in the Downs in
the first week of June, 1614, and Best shortly afterwards
attended the Council to give a detailed account of his
proceedings. He was considered to have "deserved
extraordinarily well," though at the same time some
dissatisfaction was expressed at "his great private trade"
(Col. State Papers, East Indies, 22 June, 26 July, 9 and 19
Aug., 1 6 14). The question was left to the governor. Sir
Thomas Smythe, who gave as his opinion that no one could
be a fitter commander than Best, but that for merchandise
Captain Keeling was far before him, and should be sent
to Surat (7 Sept.). Best nettled, it would appear, by the re-
fusal of the Council to give his son an appointment as one of
their |f actors, refused to go at all. As he very shortly
afterwards (27 Sept.) signified his willingness to go another
year, it is not improbable that the Council gave way. Re-
ports to his disadvantage, however, continued to be cir-
culated, so that Best insisted on an investigation. The
decision was that the Company was "content to remit all
that is past and let these things die, which should not have
been ripped up, had he not called them in question him-
self" (24 Oct., 16 1 5). In October, 161 7, the question
of sending out a chief commander to Bantam came before
the Council, and after discussing the relative merits of
Sir Richard Hawkins, Sir Thomas Dale, and others, they
requested the governor to confer with Best, as the fittest
of all. Best accepted the appointment, and agreed to sail
again in the Dragon, but a complaint was presently lodged

10 BEST GENEALOGY

against him for having appointed his son as a master's mate.
On this and other grounds Best declined the command;
he was summoned before the court, and after some dis-
cussion and his refusal to sign a bond for ;j(^5ooo to perform
the articles agreed on, he was dismissed the Company's
service (25 Nov.). He afterwards (27 Jan., 1617/ 18) made
his peace with them, but he does not seem to have again
accepted any office under the Company. It is probable
that Best had already served in royal ships, and from this
time he was actively employed under the crown. In 1623
he commanded the Garland, and when the fleet sailed for
Spain to bring back Prince Charles, Best remained as
senior officer in the Downs. He had previously been
engaged in the prevention of piracy, or the pursuit of
pirates (Conway to Commissioners of the Navy, 6 June,
1623), and he would probably have had more of the same
duty, had not the insolence of the Dutch, in destroying a
Dunkirk privateer at Leith and blockading another at
Aberdeen, rendered it necessary to send a small force to
the coast of Scotland. It was determined that Best was
the proper man to command this expedition; but the
Bonaventure, the only other ship available, was com-
manded by Sir William St. Leger, who held that, as a
knight, he could not be under the orders of Best. The
commissioners of the navy recommended that St. Leger
should be superseded in the Bonaventure by some captain
of " meaner quality. " Captain Christian, who had formerly
commanded the O slander with Best, was accordingly
appointed in his place. The Garland and Bonaventure
sailed from Margate on 30 June, and, having gone to
Aberdeen, brought the blockaded Dunkirker to the Downs,
closely attended by two of the Dutch ships, and when,
on 29 July, the convoy attempted to run off by herself,
the Dutchmen would have made a prize of her if Best
had not beaten them off. He vowed vengeance, but the
Dutch ships outsailed him. On 4 Aug., they had all

BEST GENEALOGY 11

anchored in the Downs, the Dutch at some distance, when
Best sHpped alongside of them in the dark, and beat them
out of the road. The next day the Dutch gathered in
force, and threatened summary punishment, unless he
could show the king's commission for what he had done.
As naval commissions, then, as now, were signed only by
the admiralty. Best had not the authority the Dutch
required, and to evade the difficulty he was ordered to bring
the ships up to Gravesend. Eventually he was super-
seded, and the Dunkirker was sent home with a safe-
conduct from the Dutch (Cal. State Papers, Dom., August,
162.^ ; Gardiner's "Hist, of England," v., 81-8). In 1626/7
Best commanded the Vanguard (19 March, 1626/7) which
formed part of the fleet assembled at Portsmouth under
Lord Willoughby (State Papers, Dom., Charles I., xxxii.,
74), and in the disastrous expedition to Rh6 in 1627 (ibid.,
Ivi., 88, Ixv., 14). In September, 1630, he was member
of a commission to report on the keeping of the king's
ships at Chatham and Portsmouth, and in April, 1632, of
another to consider the manning of ships. In 1633 he
seems to have been senior warden of the Trinity House,
and in 1634 to have been master (ibid., cclxxiii., 25, 271);
in 1637 he appears to have been still master of the Trinity
House; and in April, 1638, he sat on a commission for in-
quiring into frauds in the supply of timber. This is the
last mention of him that can be traced; it seems, therefore,
probable that he died shortly afterwards (Calendar of
State Papers, Domestic and East Indies, 161 1-38.)

William Draper Best, the first Baron of Wynford (1767-
1845), judge, the third son of Thomas Best, by a daughter
of Sir William Draper, K. B. (by his first wife), was born at
Haselbury-Plucknett, Somerset, on 13 Dec, 1767. After
receiving his education at the grammar school at Crew-
kerne, he was admitted to Wadham College, Oxford, at the
age of fifteen, but left the university in his seventeenth

12 BEST GENEALOGY

year without taking his degree. He had been intended at
first for the church, but having come into a considerable
fortune from a cousin during his residence at Oxford, he
entered the Middle Temple on 9 Oct., 1784. He was called
to the bar on 6 Nov., 1789, and joined the home circuit.
The first case in which he attracted notice was that of
Shakespear v. Peppin (6 T. R., 741) in June, 1796, when
Lord Kenyon, C. J., paid many compliments to his talents
and industry. It is said that the brief in this case fell into
his hands by the happy accident of the absence of the
counsel who was engaged in the cause. He soon after-
wards secured an extensive practice, both on the home
circuit and at Westminster Hall. Though at Westmin-
ster he chiefly practised in the common pleas, he was
engaged in many cases of importance in the king's bench
and exchequer, and also in some of the principal criminal
trials of the day. In 1799 he became a serjeant-at-law,
and in July, 1802, was elected member for Petersfield. He
was now attached to the whig party, and was one of the
acting managers on the impeachment of Lord Melville.
He continued to sit for Petersfield until the dissolution
of Parliament. In March, 1809, he was elected recorder
of Guilford in the place of Lord Grantley. In October,
1 81 2, he was returned as a member for Bridport, and,
having changed his politics, was appointed, 7 Dec, 1813,
solicitor-general to the Prince of Wales. On 14 Feb., 181 6,
he became the prince's attorney-general, and two years
afterwards chief justice of Chester. Upon the elevation of
Abbott to the chief-justiceship. Best succeeded to the
vacancy in the king's bench on 30 Nov., 181 8, but did not
receive the honor of knighthood until 3 June, 1819. After
sitting as a puisne judge for rather more than five years,
he was made chief justice of the common pleas on 15 April,
1824, and admitted to the Privy Council on 25 May in the
same year. His health throughout his career was a source
of great suffering, and he was constantly incapacitated

BEST GENEALOGY 13

by severe attacks of gout. In June, 1829, he gave up his
post on the bench, and, a pension having been granted
to him, was called to the House of Lords by the title of
Lord Wynford of Wynford Eagle in the county of Dorset,
on 5 June, 1829. He was appointed one of the deputy
speakers of the house, where he was a vehement supporter
of the tory party, and strenuously opposed the Reform
Bill at every stage. As a lawyer he had no great reputation,
but as an advocate his qualities were both varied and ex-
tensive. His style of speaking was forcible and pointed,
but not always fluent, though his arguments were at all
times remarkable for their clearness. His quickness and
unwearying activity made him a most watchful adversary,
though as a leader he was not always safe. As a parlia-
mentary speaker he was much less successful than as an
advocate, and as a judge he was unfortunately far from
being free from bias of temper, and sometimes even of po-
litical prejudice. The opinions he was supposed to have
uttered on the subject of the game laws in Ilott v. Wilkes
(3 B. & A., 304) called forth a bitter article by Sydney
Smith in the "Edinburgh Review" (vol. xxxv.), entitled
"Spring Guns and Man Traps." Best's judgment, how-
ever, seems to have been grossly misreported in the account
of the case to which Sydney Smith referred. A number
of his judgments will be found in vols. ii. to v. of " Bingham's
Reports." On 11 June, 1834, the degree of D.C.L. was
conferred upon him by the University of Oxford. When
attending the House of Lords he used to be carried there
in an arm-chair in which he was permitted to sit when
addressing the house. In his later years his increasing
infirmities compelled him gradually to withdraw from
public life. He died at his county seat of Leasons in Kent,
on 3 March, 1845, aged 78. Early in life, on 6 May, 1794,
he married Mary Anne, second daughter of Jerome Knapp,
clerk to the Haberdashers' Company, by whom he had
ten children. The title is now borne by his grandson,

14 BEST GENEALOGY

William Draper Mortimer Best, who succeeded his father,
the second baron, on 28 Feb., 1869. (Foss's "Judges, " 1864,
ix., 9-12; "Law Magazine," xxxiii., 308-17; "Law Review,"
ii., 168-75; "Law Times," iv., 447; "Annual Register,"
1845, appendix, p. 255; "Gent. Mag.," 1845, xxiii., N. S.,
431-2; Campbell's "Lord Chancellors," vol. viii., passim;
Campbell's "Chief Justices," vol. iii., passim; "Edinburgh
Review," xxxv., 123-34, 410-21.)

Henry Digby Best, afterwards Beste (i 768-1836),
miscellaneous author, bom in Lincoln 21 Oct., 1768, was
the son of Henry Best, D.D., prebendary of Lincoln. His
mother was Magdalen, daughter of Kenelm Digby, of North
Luffenham, in Rutland. He matriculated at University
College 17 March, 1785, and soon afterwards was nomi-
nated a demy to Magdalen. After taking the degrees of
B.A. and M.A. was appointed to curacy of St. Martin in
Lincoln. He wrote a number of books, which were highly
approved by the chief members of Oxford in 1 794. Shortly
afterwards he changed his name to Beste. He was finally
converted to Catholicism. He was then considered one of
the brightest minds in England. In 181 8 he removed his
family to the south of France, where he published a number
of works of travel, and personal and literary memorials.
He died 28 May, 1836, in his 68th year. (Autobiographical
writings of Henry Digby Beste, reissued with reprint in a
third edition of his sermon on Priestly Absolution, 1874
pp. 1-85 and 114-239; Register of the Demies of S. M.
Magdalen College, Oxford, 1785, iv., 97; "Catholic Maga-
zine" for 1838, p. 480; "Notes and Queries," ist Series, xii.,
227, 314, 3rd Series, xi., 57, note.)

Charles Best (fl. 1602), poet, was a contributor to Francis
Davison's "Poetical Rapsodie. " The first edition of that
anthology contains two pieces by Best, "A Sonnet of the
Sun" and a "Sonnet of the Moon." To the third edition

BEST GENEALOGY 15

(1610) he contributed "An Epitaph on Henry Fourth, the
last French King," "An Epitaph on Queen Elizabeth,"
"Union's Jewell," "A Panegyrick to my Sovereign Lord
the King," and a few other pieces. Best's name is only
known in connection with the "Poetical Rapsodie. " The
"Sonnet of the Sun," and "Sonnet of the Moon" are
graceful pieces, and make us regret that the author wrote
so little. (Davison's "Poetical Rapsodie," ed. N. H.
Nicolas, 1826.)

In Hutton's "List of Emigrants to America," 1600 to
1700, we find the names of Christopher Best, 1623, to
James City, Va. ; Richard Best (18 yrs.), 1635, to the
Barbadoes, in the expedition from Gravesend, Eng. ;
Thomas Best (33 yrs.), 1635, ^^ ^^® same ship as Richard;
Francis Bestt, to James City, Va., in the George, 1635. We
find, in the early records of Massachusetts, that John Best,
of Salem, came in the Hercules, in 1631;, from Sandwich, a
village in the parish of St. George, Canterbury, England.
John (Salem), probably son of preceding, married, Oct.
10, 1670, Susanna Doren, and had, John, born Sept., 1671-
2, and Susanna, born Jan. 25, 1674. In "Documents
Relating to the Colonial History of New York," vol. ii.,
p. 456, we note the following entry in the "Book of Monthly
Payments," No. 12, folio 92, kept by Jacob Sam, under
date, Dec. 31, 1663, "to part duty for so much received
for right of anchorage from the following ships, " among
which was the Arent, Pieter Cornelissen Bes, Skipper,
;£ioo. In "Colonial New York" (Schuyler), and "History
of the New Netherlands" (O'Callaghan), we are told that
John Amadon Best was a captain in the Swedish navy.
These extracts from early records are noted for the purpose
of distinguishing the Bests of English and other foreign
descent from the Bests of Holland, who, for the most part,
settled among the "Plat Diitchers" of Kippsbergen; and
it is the latter with whom we are concerned. In "Docu-

16 BEST GENEALOGY

mentary History of New York," vol. iii., page 58, among
the list of immigrants to New Netherland, who embarked
in the Beaver, May, 1661, were Peter Marcelis van Beest, and
wife and four children, and two servants; Aert Pietersen
Buys van Beest, and wife and son; Frans Jacobsen van
Beest, and wife and two children; Widow, Geertje Cor-
nells van Beest, and six children; Widow, Adreaentje
Cornells van Beest, and daughter; Goosen Jansen van
Noort van Beest; Hendrick Dries van Beest; Neeltje Jans
van Beest; Geertruy Teunissen van Beest. Embarked,
in the Rosetree, March, 1663, Jan Petersen Buys van
Beest. Embarked, in the Spotted Cow, April, 1663,
Marytje Theunis van Beest. Everts and Ensign, in
their "History of Columbia County," p. 23, give also
the above names and say that they are "of those who
are believed to have been among the earliest settlers upon
lands in this county. " Upon arriving at New Nether-
lands the names of these immigrants do not appear again
in any of the annals or records of the Province, until nearly
half a century later. We may, therefore, assume that the
ships' registrars intended, in these instances, to designate
the name of the small hamlet, Beest, in Holland, from
which these persons migrated, and from which they prob-
ably derived their name. Having found for them a name,
let us examine now the church records, for marriages and
baptisms, many of which were, in early days, imperfectly
kept, some of which were lost, and others destroyed. In
these early records we discover the names of four Bests,
only, which may be connected together from the fact
that many of their children were baptized in the same
churches, intermarried, and had, as witnesses to the bap-
tisms of their offspring, when possible, each other, or
their children. Their names were (John) Jacob Bast
(Best), (George) Juriaan Best, Beeltje van Beest (Best),
and William Best. We know that one of them, and one
only, so far as the records show, settled in the neighbor-

BEST GENEALOGY 17

hood of Annesburg, now Germantown, in 17 lo, near, or in,
the German Palatinate, founded by Queen Anne, for the
settlement of the Palatines, by the purchase of 6000 acres
of land in Livingston Manor, from Robert Livingston.
"Documentary History of New York," vol. iii., page 572,
says that Jacob Bast (Best) was a Palatine volunteer
for the expedition against Canada, 171 1, from Annesburg.
Sometime before 1750, his descendants settled on the
"Flats," in Livingston Manor, to be near the "Low
Butchers," as the Hollanders were called. The "Flats"
were described, in 1730, as being "in the North Ward of
Dutchess County, and situated on the south-westerly
side of a large plain, near the grist-mill of Henry Beekman,
the patentee," where they built their churches, and founded
the community of Kippsbergen. Their power and in-
fluence were never great, and they were soon overwhelmed
by the "High Dutchers, " or German Palatines, by the
strength of the tide with which they came into the country.

I BEELTJE VAN BEEST (Best) ; m. Jacob Decker,
of Shawangunck, near Kingston, and had issue:

2 Broer, bp. June i, 1701, in the old Dutch Church,
at Kingston. Spons., Broer Decker, Cornelia
Decker.

Jacob Decker, the husband of Beeltje, was commissioned
by the Governor of the Province of " Niew Yorke, " in 1700.
as Ensign in a Militia Regiment, "in ye County of Ulster,"
Foot Company, Capt. Jocham Schoonmaker. He was
a Freeholder in the "Towne of Shawangunck," in Ulster
Co., in 1720. "Doc. Hist, of N. Y.," vol. i., p. 362. As a
property owner, he "enlisted" the names of the following

18 BEST GENEALOGY

slaves: males, Jan, Charles; females, Floor, Grace, May
7, 1755. "Doc. Hist, of N. Y.," vol. iii., p. 847.

Ill

3 GEORGE JURIAAN (Jury) BEST; m. Antjen
Donsbag, of Minnisink, Ulster County, and was the father
of six children, as follows:

4 Anna Christyn, bp. July 27, 17 12. Spons.,

Johan Willem Snyder, Anna Catryn, his wife;
m. Hermans Dekker.

5 PiETER, bp. Oct. 31, 1 7 14. Spons., Pieter van

Leuven, Catryna Snyder.

6 Eva, bp. July i, 17 16. Spons., Jan Biks, Eva

Brink.

7 NiCLAES, bp. Feb. i, 1719. Spons., Niclaes de

Pue, Wyntjen Roosa.

8 Jacob, bp. Feb. 5, 17 21. Spons., Cornells Ennis,

Marytjen van Etten.

9 Margriet, bp. Mch. 10, 1723. Spons., Henrich

Donsbag, Margriet Donsbag.

All of the above baptisms are recorded in the Baptismal
Record of the Dutch Church, at Kingston.

George Jury Best was one of the Freeholders ot the
"Towne of Marble Towne," in 1728. "Doc. Hist, of N.
Y." vol. iii., p. 971.

The parents of Antjen Donsbag were Henrich Donsbag
and Margriet Kaggle, who resided at Kingston.

IV
4 ANNA CHRISTYN BEST, daughter of (3) George

BEST GENEALOGY 19

Juriaan Best; m. July 4, 1733, Hermans Dekker. Married
by Domine Geor Wilhelm Mancius. Issue:

10 Rachel, bp. July 4, 1734. Spons., Jacobus West-
val, Rachael Decker.

XI

II WILLIAM BEST, m. Jan. 20, 1723, at the Dutch
Church, in New York City, Mary Maggarits: "Personem
met Geboden Jan. 5, 1723, Ingeteckent Jonathan Gleesen.
j. m. V. Jerlant, met Mary Maggarits, Wed. V. William
Best Getroinot Jan. 20, 1723" (Rec. of Mar. in Dch. Ch.,
N. Y., 1639-1801); and had:

12 James, b. , who was a member of Captain
Richards' Company, in New York City Militia,
in 1738. " Doc. Hist, of N. Y.," vol. iv., p. 216.
He had other children, probably (not traced),
from whom many of the Bests, in New York
City, may find their line of descent.

XIII

13 JACOB BEST, m. Anna Christina Dietrichin
(Dederick), of Kingston. The six children are as follows:

14 Anna Maria, b. Mch. 9, 1720; bp. Lutheran

Church, N. Y. City. Spons., John Jacob
Thengs, Anna Maria, and Agnes Dietrichin
(probably sisters); m. Apr. 26, 1738, John
Mare, "j. m. of Devonshire, Eng. Banns, Apr.
I, 1738." She was described as of New York.

15 Elizabeth, b. Apr. 2, 1722; bp. Lutheran Church,

20 BEST GENEALOGY

N. Y. City. Spons., John Peter Phillip, Eliza-
beth Betzerin; m. Henrich Berringer.
i6 Johannes, b. about 1730; m. 1749-50, Eva

Lounart; d. 1780.

17 Harmanus, b. ; m. about 175c, Marytje

Rurigh.

18 Jacob, b. ; m., about 1760, Annatje Tact.

19 Edward, b. ; m. Aug. 20, 1755, Catherine

Ray. No issue.

20 COENRADT, b.

Jacob Best, as stated above, was a volunteer for the
expedition against Canada, in 17 11. The Manor Church,
in Livingston Manor, was erected in 1721, and organized,
July 4, 1722, largely through the efforts of Robert Living-
ston, who was granted, in writing, by Governor Burnet,
the privilege of receiving from "all Churches and Charitable
People within the Provinces of New York and New Jersey,
in America," all the "free and voluntary charity and
Contributions of any of the inhabitants, " to aid him in the
work. ("Col. Co., at the End of the Century," vol. i., p.
601.) We know, also, that, until 1756, the congregation of
this church depended entirely upon ministerial "supplies,"
and that the services therein were very irregular. The
St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church, of the Manor,
was organized, in 1764, by the pastor of the Churchtown
Society; and this red Dutch church and its red-painted
Record Book were opened on Oct. 5, 1766, for the congre-
gation. The building is described as "a plain frame meet-
ing house, built on the post road near the old Stickles place. "
It was used until 1820, and was generally called the "Piet
Bush Church." The old residents of Johnstown say that
the church stood opposite the orchard on the Clermont
road, about one and a quarter miles south of the present
village of Johnstown. In this orchard of full grown apple
trees were found a number of "home "-cut headstones,

BEST GENEALOGY 21

much broken and roughly hewn, the fragments of which
were translated by Mr. D. Vesteeg, the official translator,
for many years, of the Holland Society of New York.
Owing to lack of churches, irregular pastoral visitations,
unsettled conditions of the region, and dangers and diffi-
culties of travel, many of the marriages were, of necessity,
made, in the presence of witnesses, before magistrates,
whose records have not come down to us. With the
erection of churches, and the establishment of clerical
offices, with which they were familiar in their native land,
the genealogical history of the Dutch, along the Hudson
River, had its beginning. The children of Elizabeth,
Johannes, Harmanus, and Jacob were, thereupon, duly
presented for baptism. The names of the witnesses to
these ceremonies show that the closest relationship existed
between the parents.

Coenradt Best, the son of (13) Jacob, fought in the
Revolution. In Feb., 1776, he was chosen Ensign, in the
3rd Company, 6th Regiment, Albany County Militia (new
organization), Capt. John Lantman (Lampman), Col.
Stephen J. Schuyler. (" Cal. of N. Y. Hist. Manuscripts,"
vol. i., p. 247.) After the Revolution he settled in Penn-
sylvania, where many of his descendants are now living.

XV

15 ELIZABETH, daughter of (13) Jacob Best; m.
Henrich Berringer, and had:

21 Conrad, b. ; m. Jan. 23, 1763, Margaretha

Schmidt, daughter of Zacharias Schmidt.

22 Elizabeth, bp. Oct. 14, 1744; m., Apr. 4, 1763,

Petrus Schmidt, son of Zacharias.

23 Henrich, bp. Apr. 26, 1747; m. ist, Jan. 19,

1772, Sarah Boehm; m. 2d, Anna Gerges.
He d. 1804.

22 BEST GENEALOGY

24 Hannah, bp. ; m. Coonard Finger.

25 Catherine, bp. Oct. 26, 1755; m. Abraham T.

Kip.

26 Jacob, bp. May 13, 1761.

27 George, b. Mch. 19, 1763; d. Aug. 28, 1849; m.

ist, Dec. 14, 1787, Anna Maria Snyder; m.
2nd, July 3, 1808, Catherine Ackert.

28 Johannes, bp. ; m. Elsjen Blass (Plass).

Catherine Pawling, of Rhinebeck Precinct, in Dutchess
County, Province of New York, widow, by deed, dated
December 4, 1747, gave to Henrich Berringer, and others,
Elders and Deacons, of the High Dutch Reformed Church,
of Rhinebeck, the church and four acres of land, with
privilege to " cutt, ride and carry away all sorts of wood
on the commons of Rhinebeck, aforesaid, for the use of said
church and for fire wood for the minister and the church."

Thomas Fingar, a grandson of (15) Elizabeth Best, lived,
in 1808, near Germantown Village, and was one of the
Commissioners of Highways in Road District No. 8, on
" Road leading from a cross-road beyond Conrad Lasher's,
so on to Conrad Fingar, then to George Snyder's, then
to the south side of John Kortz' store, where it joins the
other road." "Rhinebeck Genealogy," p. 191, by G. M,
Smith.

XXIII

23 HENRICH, son of (15) Elizabeth Berringer; m.
ist, Jan. 19, 1772, Sarah Boehm. Resided in Rhinebeck.
Issue:

29 Elizabeth, bp. Feb. 14, 1773.

30 Rebecca, bp. Dec. 4, 1774.

31 Jacob, bp. Apr. 27, 1777.

32 Catharina, bp. May 30, 1779.

33 Annatjen, bp. July 8, 1781.

BEST GENEALOGY 23

34 Johannes, bp. Mch. 6, 1785; m. Maria

Elsever.

35 Sarah, bp. July 19, 17S9; m. Philip Kip.

36 Jeremias, bp. Dec. 30, 1795.

M. 2nd. Anna Gerges, and had:

37 Martin, bp. Nov. 30, 1800.

Henrich Berringer left a will dated Dec. 17, 1804, in
which he names his son John, brother George, and brother-
in-law Abraham T. Kip, Executors.

XXVII

27 GEORGE, son of (15) Elizabeth Berringer; m.
ist. Dec. 14. 1787, Anna Maria Snyder, and had:

38 Jeremias, bp. Aug. 3, 1788.

39 Elizabeth, bp. Mch. 6, 1791.

40 Catherina, bp. Oct. 6, 1795; m. Sept. 2, 1828,

Daniel D. Cookinriham, at the Lutheran Church
of Ghent.

41 John, b. Aug. 18, 1793; m. Sallie Bennett.

42 Elias. bp. Dec. 6, 1798; m. Maria Shoe-

maker.

43 Maria, b. ; m. Sept. 6, 1828, David Vra-

denburgh.

M. 2nd, July 3, 1808, Catherine Ackert, who d. Mch.
24, 184.3. Issue:

44 Ephraim, b.

45 Julia, b.

XLI

41 JOHN, son of (27) George Berringer; m. Sallie
Bennett, and had:

46 George, b.

24 BEST GENEALOGY

XVI

i6 JOHANNES, son of (13) Jacob Best; m. about 1749-
50, Eva Lounart, and had the following:

47 Jury (George) J.; m. Marytje Hooft.

48 Eva, bp. ; m. Oct. 23, 1770, Hendrick

Platner, at Dutch Church, Albany. No issue.

49 Johannes, b. Apr. 24; bp. Apr. 28, 1751. Spons.,

Johannes Petrie, Thipyta Ham; m. Margaret
Mesick; d. Oct. 25, 1820.

50 Elizabeth, bp. at Johnstown, Apr. 9, 1758.

Spons., Harman Best, Maritie Rurich; m.
Jacob Power.

51 Jeremias, bp. Feb. 22, 1761. Spons., Jurie

Rosman, and wife, Lena Lesscher. Single.

52 Wilhelmus, bp. Nov. 20, 1763. Spons., Willem

Bartel, Geertruy Rees; m. Mary Platnaar
(Platner); d. July 30, 1829.

53 Anna, bp. May 18, 1766. Spons., Dirk Janse,

Anna Best (Aunt) ; m. Philip Rockefeller.

54 Jacob, b. ; m. Elizabeth (Eva) Smith.

55 Benjamin, b. . Single.

56 Catherine, b. ; m. Elias Young.

57 Hendrick, b. . Single,

58 Peter, b. ; m. 1778 (60) Christina

Best, daughter of (17) Harmanus Best.

Johannes Best settled on a life leased farm of 130 acres
of land, now (1900) occupied by William Bryant, in the
northern part of Livingston Manor, in the town of Cler-
mont, at the intersection of the Albany Post Road and
the road to Elizaville, within a stone's throw of the resi-
dence of Ffitz Mujigh (Mesick), the original ancestor of
the Mesicks in this country (Mesick Genealogy). By
reason of the close intimacy two intermarriages shortly
resulted.

BEST GENEALOGY 25

In the Register of Membership of the Johnstown Dutch
Church appears the name of " Johannes Best and syn
huysvrouw, " in 1759; Deacon of the church, Jan. 7,
1759; Elder, Dec. 18, 1763, to Jan. 16, 1771.

He had five sons in the War of the Revolution. He
himself served in the war, being a member of the loth
Regiment (Land Bounty Rights), Capt. Conrad Cline;
and, also, a member of the Independent Company, Capt.
Petrus van Gaasbeck. (55) Benjamin saw service in the
8th Regt., and in the Independent Co., under the same
Captain, afterwards joining the 6th Co., loth Regt., Col.
Robert R. Livingston, the same company of which his
brother, (52) William, was a member, and of which his
brother, (49) John, Jr., was Lieutenant. (47) George J.
served in the same Independent Co. as his father, Johannes.
(49) John, Jr., served in the war (stated in full under his
family record). (58) Peter took part in the Revolution
(see under his family record). These troops were all a
part of the Albany County Militia. " N. Y. in the Revo.,"
p. 133. The following note, appearing in Spofford's " Gaz-
etteer of Columbia County, " may interest: "On the 27th
of Mch., 1 79 1, a Special Act of the Legislature was passed,
authorizing the building of a school house and the main-
taining of a school master, in the town of Clermont, out
of the 'moneys arising from excise and other sources,
in the hands of Overseer of Poor, but not needed for the
support of the poor.' " (47) George J. Best, and Marks
Blatner, brother-in-law, were of the number authorized
to carry out the Act. A small piece of land was set aside
for the use of the Palatine Minister, "provided he shall
likewise teach the school." (47) George J. was Executor
of the will of Johannes Michel Mochie.

Phillip Lounart, the father of Eva Lounart, in his will,
recorded Mch. 17, 1768, describes himself as of " Rhinebeck
Precinct, Livingston Manor, Yoeman, " and names his
wife, Anna Catrina, son, Peter, daughter, Eva, wife of

26 BEST GENEALOGY

(i6) Johannes Best, daughter, Catrina, wife of Nicolas
Traver, and grandson, Philip Traver. He appoints his
son, Peter, (i6) Johannes Best, and William Beam, Ex-
ecutors.

The widow Lounart was still living in 1790, and occu-
pied the old homestead on the " right hand side of the road
to the Manor House from the Linlithgo Reformed Church,
being the first house. "

One of the earliest wills recorded in the office of the
Surrogate of Columbia County is that of (16) Johannes
Best. His will is dated Dec. 10, 1787, and was pro-
bated Apr. 4, 1788. In it he names his sons (55) Ben-
jamin and (49) John, and (64) George Best, son of his
brother, Harman, Executors. He speaks of himself as
"being sick and weak of body, but of sound and perfect
mind and memory " ; desires that his burial shall be " decent
without pomp or state"; mentions his "dear and lovely
wife," to whom he bequeaths two negro women, named
"Bet," and "Rose"; mentions his sons, Jacob, Johannes,
Benjamin, Wilhelmus, and Jeremiah, and his daughters,
Catherine, Eve, Elizabeth, and Hannah. The witnesses
were Solomon Martin, John Minchlaer, and Leonard Ten
Broech.

JOHANNES BEST ARDGEBORENDEN 172, UND

WARD ANNO UND MGNTHEN UND DAGE

ALD UND SDARBDEN, 1788.

XVII

17 HARMANUS, son of (13) Jacob Best; m. about
1750, Marytje Rurigh. Both of Livingston Manor. Issue:

59 Catrien, bp. Feb. 3, 1751. Spons., Adam

Retries, Catryn Vonk; m. Jacob Decker.

60 Christina, bp. Aug. 17, 1760. Spons., Niclaes

Dick, and wife, Christina Herder; m. (58)

BEST GENEALOGY 27

Peter Best, son of (i6) Johannes Best and Eva
Lounart.
6i Magdalena, bp. Feb. 6, 1763. Spons., Willem
Bitser, and wife, Magdalena Dunsbach; m.
David Batz (Potts).

62 Jacob Harmen, b. 1767; m. Eva Minklaer;

d. Mch. 8, 1831.

63 Anna, b. ; m. Seth Tobey.

64 George, b. ; m. Marytje Musich (Mesick).

65 Elizabeth, b. ; m. Martin T. Cooper.

Harman Best was living in 1790 in the vicinity of Cler-
mont, south of Johnstown and north of Blue Store, in the
town of Livingston. In "Calendar of Wills," in 1785,
we find him as Executor of the will of Jacob Blattner
(Platner), a miller, of the Manor. Also, under same date,
as Executor of the will of Jury Mosser (Mosier), of West
Camp, Albany County. He was one of the signers of the
petition for the mitigation of the sentence by court-martial
of Aarnold Viele, in 1777. "Calendar of New York His-
torical Documents," vol. ii., p. 192 (Petitions 7,;^: 486).

" Unto the Honorable, the Council of Safety for the
State of New York, now setting at Kingston:

" The Petition of Aernout Viele, of the Manor of Living-
ston, Humbly Sheweth, — That your Petitioner is now a
prisoner in the City Hall of Albany unto sentence of death,
and unless Almighty God inclines the Hearts of your Hon-
ours to extend your clemency to him is to be executed on
Monday next. In the deepest Distress and impressed
with the most poignant emotions of contrition he implores
permission to approach your Honours, and ardently re-
quests that you will deign to consider his unhappy situation,
lead astray by the insinuations and fallacious reasoning of
designing men he has greatly erred and justly incurred the
dreadful sentence passed against him. He does not com-
plain of justice, but implores mercy, he is a youth inex-

28 BEST GENEALOGY

perienced in Politicks and Law, it was therefore easy for
insiduous and evil meaning men to draw him into the
snare that has proved his Ruin. He has not yet seen
twenty-one years, and Death having deprived him of his
Parents he was at a Loss for that wholesome admonition
which might have been expected from such near and dear
Relations. Reluctant to Quite this temporal Existence
at so early a Period and but ill prepared for that unchange-
able and eternal state which must commence after Death,
he fervently beseaches your Honours to have compassion
upon his youth and Inexperience, to forgive his crimes or
mitigate the Rigour of his sentence, and permit to live
and exert his utmost Endeavours to make an attonement
to his injured Country. He has two orphan Sisters that
depend upon God, upon him for support and Protection,
who, if he suffers, must with his other Relations, although
innocent of his crimes, partake of his disgrace. May it
therefore please your Honours to take what is here repre-
sented into your most serious consideration, and permit
a sincere penitent to conjure you by the mercies of God
shown to mankind in Jesus Christ to reverse or mitigate
the sentence passed upon me or if it is irreversibly de-
termend (which God forbid) that I must suffer an igno-
minious Death be pleased for Christ's sake to grant me
some longer Time than my sentence has stated, that I may
repent of my sins and prepare for Eternity. And your
Petitioner as in Duty Bound shall ever pray."

" Dated, June 24, 1777. " (Signed) " Aernout Viele. "

Among those who subscribed their names to the above
petition were: (13) Jacob Best, (18) Jacob Best, Jr., (47)
George J. Best, (17) Harman Best, (64) George (Jury) Best.

In "Calendar of New York Historical Documents,"
vol. ii., p. 190 (Petitions 23- 484), we find the "Confession
of Aernout Viele, " dated at the city and county of Albany,
June 23, 1777:

BEST GENEALOGY 29

" A Confession of all My Misdeeds for which I am sory.
"To the Honourable Court Mashel.

" At first Notis was Given to Me to appere at the House
of Bastion Been and the Man that Warned Me I Do Not
Remember but I Whant there and Than I was Caled into
the back Rume to this Men which asked if I was Willing
to take the Oath of Secrit and I told him yeas I Could Kip
Secrit but I asked him if it would Not bring Me Into
Trouble and he Told Me No Danger and I took the oath
than He Did Reed the in Listmant and there was these
Low Letters Mantioned J. H. to be Chosen and appinted
Colonel and I asked the Signification of these Letters and
he said John Husten. Than I asked his Name and he said
Christian Ware and another Man that Want Round with
him George fincel. Than he asked me to take the Second
oth and I Told him that I was afraid of Trouble. That
he Told Me That Tsaut True the Country to Save our Lives
and familys that the Rigolars was Rathy to Com True
the Contry and that there should be No Marsey Shown
to tham if the Did not Dow this than I Took the oath Than
I Want home than I thoat I have Good Neighbours at
home it should be hard that they should sufer I Told Lieu-
tenant Cornelius Dacker of and he said that he would not
Due it but after That he Did it for we Tought it for our
Good but Christian Whare told us that we Should join
the Regolars if the Did come up the River Than Sum Days
afterwords Handarick plas Come in the Neighbourhood
about fore Miles from our house with Sutch Papers and
than Gorge More sent for Me to Com to the house of Gidion
Fradanburgh the same Night by John Turner and he Told
My Brother Chark and he Told Me and I Want there and as
I Com in thay samed to be glad and Matthew Everts was
Righting sum of these Names Down than Mr More Com up
to Me and asked if I would Reed that baper to him and the
pepel in the Rume and I Told him that I Did Not Like

30 BEST GENEALOGY

than he Told Me that I must Dueth for there was Nobody-
fit in the Rume nor in the Neighbourhood but I Could Reed
Good English and Explain it to them in Dutch Than I
asked him to show his Auturity Than he Laid his Paper
Down upon a Table and I sat Down and Looked it over
and I Got up from the Table and said I Did not Like to
Dow it and Mr More said you Moust Dow it four your
Nighbours than I Did it fornisheth the oth to the People
and Lift the Paper with tham after sum Days Came Mr
More and Hendarick Plas and Jacob frayr and David
fray to have Me to go with tham to Tunis Sneks house they
should have sum People there Gathereth I Told tham to
Git Sumbody els that I Did Not Like to Dow it, says Mr
More it is No hurt you Moust Dow it Than I whant and
Did fournish the oath. Than I Was Desired by Mr More
and sum more in the Rume to Com there onse More for
Mr Mores Brother Was Not there and sum More of the
Nighbours and God Nows that I Did Not Love to Dow it
but Told Tham yeas and Did so Than I was Desired by
Mr More and Handirick Plas to Com to Philip frayrs and
whant to go thare Isaac fadenburgh Wife Stopt me Upon
the Road by her house and Told Me that I was Desiered
to Com to Cornelius Vousburgh but Know Not for what
but Philip frayrs soun Told her's so to sand me thare and
thare I Did the same fournished the oath to them Whan
I was the Second Time at Tunis Snuck Than Mr More Told
Me to keep the Papour with Me for there Was sum people
in the Rume that Did Desier Me to Com to one John
Dengses, and I whant thare and whan I com Neir the
House I was stoped By a parsel of Man that Told Me to
Go Back to one Handarick Hous Rought [Hoysradt] and
the Man I Did Not know then I want there and fournished
the oath to Tham than I want Home and Than Thare
Come tow soutch persons and Desireth Me to fournish
the oth to and I Did and these Tow Man Desired Me to
Go to My Brother Philip Viele My Brother Was Not at hom

BEST GENEALOGY 31

Nor his Wife that there Was three Man Good frinds of tham
that I should oblige tham very Mutch for the Wanted to
take this oath and I want and Mit one of tham Chause to Me
to fitch Me for one Tham was Not Well fornished the oath
tham and Returned home and Give the Paper to Nicolis
Brese and he Wanet [went] of with it and he Returned
and Broat another to I aske him where he Got it he told
me in Claverack Than I was Desire to go to Jacob Deckers
one Evening and Did and fournished the oath to one Man
Jacob Decker and after that I Give the Paper to Christian
Crott and sum Days after he give the Paper to me again
and I Laid it in the house and Niver seen it since as for the
Overseers Thare was none as I know as yet. But there
was sum Tock [talk] that the Nighbourhood Did Chause
Isaac Speer for Capt Bastion Been Lieutenant and Me for
Ensign and had Tocked Soum of them to have Peter Grine
for Capt. But there was no Sartinty for there was No
oversears appointed for I Niver tought to hirt the Country.
But Did it save our salves This is all Gentlemen that I
Do Know about it that I can Declare.

" Aernout Viele.

" But this was Reported in our Nighbourhood that thare

was fore Man against one in Albany that had Doun this tow

of the had Comitys and our County Except one and John

and Hary Livingston and Colonel Van Naula in Claverack.' '

In the "Calendar of New York Historical Documents,"
vol. i., p. 581 (Miscel. Papers, 36: 656) 1776, Richard
Esselstyn, Major of the Independent Company, of Claver-
ack, writes of a "Skirmish at Taghkanick": "On Friday
last a Scrimmage happened near Tachkanick 2 Horses
kiled of ours, of the Tories Nicolas Brasie, Jur. wounded and
a few Prisoners taken. In the Evening of the Same Day
a Partey of ours came up to the house of Isaac Spoor in
Taghkanick where they found several Torys whoe opposed
our men on which a fireing Inseued. our Party took

32 BEST GENEALOGY

several prisoners and wounded one Nicolas Brasie Senijor
on Satterday Col Hogeboom with a Party of about 20
men fell in with a party of about 100 Torys near Tach-
kanick at the House of George Weler where a smart fireing
happened. The Col was obliged to Retrete with the loss
of one horse killed, of the torys one John Lyck mortily
Wounded whoe died the next day; the Cole being Rein-
forced w^ent In persute of the Torys overtock them at the
Long Laik [lake] about Sik mils from [17] Harmen Basts
[Best] and thair fell upon them kiled of the torys James
Backer wounded one Finckel and took 15 Prisonars of that
Party the next Day Sunday we took another toare and
took two more of said Party. We hope to be able to give
a fuller and better account of them in a few Days.

(Signed) " Richard Esselstyn, Major."

From a fragment of an ancient book, containing a
journal of the " Committee of Safety, " in the Revolutionary
War, we find the following regulations, which were in-
tended to provide against surprise by the Tories: " Articles
for Regulating the Night Watch in the Manor of Livingston
to commence 27th September, 1776, and to continue
whenever thought proper, according to a resolve of this
Committee. 'Art. i. That the Guard for every Night
consist of twelve men exclusive of the officer. 2. That
the Guard shall muster at Eight o'clock p.m. at the Guard
House. 3. That the Guards shall take the first Grand
Rounds at 9 o'clock precisely. 4. That the Guard be
dismissed by 5 o'clock a.m. 5. That the officer of the
Guard station two men at the house of Dirck Jansen, and
two men at the house of [17] Harme Best, which men shall
be relieved every 2J hours. 6. That the Officer shall
take the Grand Rounds, with the Eight remaining Men,
every 2 J hours. 7. That when any person is seen, the
Guard to Challenge them three times distinctly, and if no
answer is returned, or attempts to run, the Guard to have

BEST GENEALOGY 33

full liberty to fire. 8. That when any person is taken
by the Guard, to be detained there until the Officer of the
Guard comes up, when if he can't produce a certificate,
or give satisfaction to the officer, to be detained till morning
and then brought to the Chairman of the Committee.
9. That every Centinel that is found sleeping, to be put
under Guard, till morning, and brought to the Chairman
of the Committee. 10. That every Officer or private
Man that Refuses or Neglects to serve, to be dealt with
according to the Resolutions of the Provincial Congress
for Regulating the Night Watch. 11. That every Man
is to Mount Guard in person, unless prevented by sickness.
12. That no man is Excused from serving by being from
home; he is to procure a Man for his Night, otherwise to
pay the fine. ' ' Resolved that the Night Watch to be
kept from Dirck Jansen's to [17] Harme Best's, shall con-
sist of eighty four men, which number is to be divided in
seven subdivisions. ' ' Resolved That twelve men be the
Guard for a Night, exclusive of the Officer. ' ' Resolved.
That the Night Watch to be kept at Samuel Ten Broeck's
shall consist of twenty eight men, which number is to be
divided in seven subdivisions.' "

In the year 1781, a bounty of "Land Rights," so called
(a " Right" being 500 acres of land), was offered to officers
and men for two regiments then to be raised, for the
defence of the State. To a Colonel, Lieutenant-Colonel,
and Major, four rights; to a Captain and a Surgeon, three
rights; to a Lieutenant, Ensign, or Surgeon's Mate, two
rights; and to a non-commissioned officer or private, one
right. Any master or mistress who should deliver an able-
bodied slave to serve, one right. By an Act of the Pro-
vincial Congress, dated Apr. i, 1778, each militia regiment
was divided into "classes" of fifteen men each; when
soldiers were needed to recruit the line regiments, each
class must, within nine days, furnish a man fully armed

34 BEST GENEALOGY

and equipped. In case they neglected so to do, the desig-
nated class proceeded, at once, to draft one of the number
by lot. By an Act of Mch. ii, 1780, every regiment was
again divided into classes, this time of thirty-five men each,
and when soldiers were required as before, these classes
were also called upon to furnish a man as before, and in
case of a failure so to do within fifteen days, were fined a
sum equal to double the amount of the highest bounty
which had then been given. This fine was collected by
distress and sale of goods and chattels of those refusing to
pay, or, if not possessed of property, they were committed
to "joil" (sic) "without bail or manprize" until the sum
was paid. If a class furnished a man as the law required,
it received a money bounty, sometimes as much as ;;^8o.
As the war progressed and the needs of the government
became more pressing, land "Rights" were added to the
money bounty; and on Mch. 23, 1782, an Act was passed
providing that any class or any person who furnished
an able-bodied man to serve " for three years or during
the war" should be entitled to 600 acres; or 350 acres for
a two-year enlistment; and any person or class who
should deliver a man within twenty days from the time
of the notification, 200 acres extra. The usual form of
a "Class Right" to a land bounty was this: "We, the
subscribers belonging to Class in Tenth Regiment

of Albany County Militia do hereby transfer and assign
to of the Precinct of Rhinebeck, in Albany County

and State of New York, yeoman, and to his heirs and
assigns forever, all our right and title to the annexed
certificate and gratuity or bounty of 200 acres of land to
which we are entitled by reason of an Act entitled, 'An
Act for raising troops to complete the line of this State in
the service of the United States, and the two regiments
to be raised on bounties of unappropriated lands and for
the further defence of the frontier of this State,' passed
the 23rd day of March, 1782." Among the militiamen

BEST GENEALOGY 35

who signed the "Class Right" shortly before the end of
the war, who were ready to serve, and some of whom saw
actual service in the war, were (64) George Best, (47)
George J. Best, (17) Harman Best, (57) Henry Best,
(16) Johannes Best.

'''''" 1252886

18 JACOB, son of (13) Jacob Best, m. about 1760,
Annatje Tact, of Marble-Towne, Ulster Co., and had:

66 Elizabeth, b. ; m. Hendrick Smitt

(Smith).

67 Johannes J., bp., at Johnstown, Aug. 9, 1761.

Spons., Johannes Tact, and wife, Elizabeth
Ruyter; m. Christina Ham; d. May

10, 1835.

68 Annetie, bp. July 22, 1764, at Albany.

69 Margarita, bp. Feb. 9, 1767, at Albany.

70 Catherine, bp. ; m. John G. Ross-

man.

71 Petrus J., bp. Sept. 24, 1774, at Churchtown; m.

Elizabeth Minklaer; d. 1850.

72 Jacob, b. ; m. Margaret Fingar; d.

1861.

73 Benjamin, bp. Feb. 16, 1785, at Churchtown.

Jacob Best resided on a farm in the northern part of
Albany County (now Rensselaer), on the east side of the
Hudson River, south of Schodack, and about three miles
from the river. "Doc. Hist, of New York," vol. iii.,
p. 917 (Map of Rensselaer Manor). He married a daughter
of Johannes Tact and Elizabet Ruyter. He saw service
in the Revolution. He was first a member of Capt. Richard
Esselstyn's Company of " regiment of foot, " which was
organized in Rensselaer Manor, prior to the Revolution,
and is supposed to have seen service, of a sort, in the war.

36 BEST GENEALOGY

"Archives of the State of New York," vol. i., p. 268.
Was commissioned Ensign, Oct. 20, 1775; chosen Lieu-
tenant, Feb. 25, 1778, 8th Regt., 3rd Co., Albany County
Militia, ist Claverack Battalion, for the Manor, Col.
Robert Van Rensselaer, Capt. John Bartel. He was, also,
a member of the 5th Regt. (Land Bounty Rights). " N. Y.
in the Revo.," p. 226. He was one of the signers of the
Viele Petition,

XLVII

47 JURY (George) J., son of (16) Johannes Best;
m. Marytje Hooft, and had:

74 Petrus, bp. Mch. 20, 1763. Spons., Pieter Ham,

and wife, Cathrina Louwrie.

George J. Best was one of those who signed the Viele
Petition. "Cal. of N. Y. Hist. Doc," vol. ii., p. 192.

XLL^

49 JOHANNES,^son of (16) Johannes Best; m. Dec.
14, 1772 (see Tucker's "New York Marriages before 1784,"
and " Records of the Reformed Dutch Church, New York
City, 1639-1801"), Margaret Musich (Mesick), daughter
of Hendrick Mesick and Catherine Dederick. She was
b. Mch. 12, 1756; d. Oct. 5, 1 831; and had the following:

75 John J., b. July 10, 1773; m. Margaret (Mary)

Lape; d. Apr. 19, 1863, aged 90 years,

76 Catherine, b, Apr. 22; bp. May 6, 1775. Spons.,

Henrich Musig, and wife, Catharina Dederick;
m. ist, Teunis Becker; 2nd, Robert Ames;
d. Aug. 18, 1838.

77 Peter L, b, July 25; bp. Sept. 7, 1777, at Clav-

erack. Spons., Petrus Miesig, Christina Maul;
m. Maria Becker; d. Jan. 26, 1846.

BEST GENEALOGY 37

78 Henry J., b. Dec. 24, 1780; bp. Jan. 28, 1781, at

Claverack. Spons., Hendrick Miesig, Cath-
erine Miesig; m. Maria Finger; d. Oct. 18, 1866.

79 Jacob W., b. May 8; bp. June 22, 1783, at Clav-

erack. Spons., Jacob Decker, Catrina Decker
(Best); d. Mch. 11, 1876. Single.

80 Ephraim, b. Oct. 2; bp. Nov. 6, 1785, at Clav-

erack. Spons., Johannes Kels, Elisabeth Ever-
son; m. (153) Mary Best, daughter of (67)
Johannes J. Best and Christina Ham; d. Dec.
20, 1871.

81 David, b. Aug. 18; bp. Sept. 23, 1787, at Clav-

erack. Spons., George Best, Maria Miesig;
m. Margaret Lape; d. Aug. 19, 1856.

82 Abraham, b. Jan. 21; bp. Apr. 4, 1790, at Clav-

erack. Spons., Petrus Herder, Sarah Miesich;
m. Harriet Van Deusen; d. July i, 1871.

83 Sarah, b. Apr. 21 ; bp. May 6, 1792, at Claverack.

Spons., Peter Herder, Sarah Mussick; m.
William Murray; d. Oct. i, 1874.

84 Jeremiah J., b. July 25, 1794; m. Phebe Kipp;

d. Oct. II, 1874.

John Best, Jr., and Margaret Mesick, his wife, are buried
at Johnstown, in the town of Livingston, directly in the
rear of the old Dutch Church. The stones marking the
graves are in excellent state of preservation. They resided
in 1790 in Livingston Manor, in the northwestern part and
north of Johnstown, near Glenco Mills (" Doc. Hist, of N.
Y.," vol. iii., p. 835, map), in the house built by his father
(16) Johannes. The Best and Mesick houses were within
"gunshot" distance, and the farms adjoined each other.
John Best, Jr., served with distinction in the Revolutionary
War. Was first a member of the Independent Company,
Albany County Militia, Capt. Petrus van Gaasbeck,
probably attached to the 17th Regt., Col. Wm. B. Whiting.

38 BEST GENEALOGY

"N. Y. in the Revo." p. 133. Ensign, and, afterwards,
Lieutenant, in 6th Co., same Militia, Capt. Jacob F. Shaver,
loth Regt., Manor of Livingston, Col. Peter R. Livingston.
Commissioned Lieutenant, Oct. 20, 1775. Reappointed
Lieutenant, May 28, 1778. In the Record and Pension
Office, War Dept., Wash., appears the name of John Best,
Jr., on a receipt roll, dated, at Manor of Livingston, Mch.
13, 1785, with remark, showing that he received £12.
14s. 3p. for services in that organization (Col. Livingston's
Regt.), which was in service from 1777 to 1781. As a
Lieutenant of the Manor, his chief duty was to raise troops
and forward supplies to the Continental Army. While in
charge of troops, upon a foraging expedition, he was cap-
tured; and, as was often the case, in the despatches of those
times, a mistake as to his rank was made, as appears in a
letter from Col. Armand, of the Partisan Corps, to Gen.
Washington, at Headquarters (Newburgh?), which speaks
of "Capt. Best," officer of the Pulaski Legion, prisoner of
war, who is to be exchanged, of Count de Graff; and a
second letter, from the same to the same, says that the
exchange was made at Charlotteville, Va., Jan. 28, 1782.
"The New York Historical Society Collections," pp. 326-
329, pub. 1878. That such a mistake was made is evident
from a letter from the Record and Pension Office, War
Dept., Wash., which says: " Nothing has been found on the
rolls, on file in this office, to show that a person named
Best served as a captain [the underscoring is mine] in
any military organization during the war of the Revolution."
Everts and Ensign, in their " History of Columbia County,"
at page 256, mention "Capt. Best," but give no details
of his services. The fact that there is no record of a Capt.
Best, together with local tradition, valuable in a way,
leads me to conclude that the Capt. Best above referred
to was, in all probability. Lieutenant John Best, Jr.

The records of the Dutch Church, at Linlithgo, show
that he was Elder, and Deacon, from Apr. 8, 1779, to June

BEST GENEALOGY 39

1, 1790. "On Aug. 8, 1779, when James Van Deusen was
Elder, and [49] Johannes Best, Jr., Deacon, the Consistory-
promised Rev. Dr. John Livingston, if he would remain
with them, 243 schepels of corn, and ;/^4o. 5s. 6p. in cash
and sufficient wood. They had promised him 675 schepels
of corn but could not get enough subscriptions. " Retiring
Elder, 1807. Deacon, Aug. 31, 1809. Elder, May, 1811.
In 1797, paid to the Church Fund, £1^. 5s. 6p. On May
25, Aug. II, and Dec. 8, of that year, paid certain sums
to the Fund. As auctioneer of church pews, Jan. 13,
1816, he announces: "that next Monday, a fortnight, be
the time for selling and renting the pews, at 10 o'clock,
A.M." (80) Ephraim, his son, was appointed Clerk of the
Sale. He occupied pew No. 12, with his son (77) Peter
J. (deese sitte int gemcen). (80) Ephraim, his son, occupied
pew No. 10, in this church. In 1808, John Best, Jr., was
found by the Road Commissioners in Road District No.

2, on the " Road leading from the Clermont line, and so
past Philip Rockefeller's [who married (53) Anna, his
sister] store, to the cross-road to Josiah Nash."

The will of John Best, Jr., is dated 1820. In it, he
describes himself as " Yoeman, " of the town of Living-
ston; mentions his wife, Margaret, and sons, John, Peter,
Henry, Jacob, Ephraim, David, Abraham, and Jeremiah,
and daughter, Sarah Murray; and appoints Frederick
Hauser, and sons, Peter and John Best, Executors.

Hendrick Mesick, the father of Margaret Mesick, who
married John Best, Jr., was a son of Ffitz Muzigh (Mesick),
who came from Germany, about 17 19, landed at German-
town, and settled in the northern part of Livingston Manor,
on Claverack Creek, near Glenco Mills, on a life-leased farm
of 230 acres of land, now (1889) owned by David Proper.
His son, Hendrick, was born 1715, and died Apr. 3, 1809,
aged 95 years. He married Catherine Dederick, who died
Dec. 20, 1792. Her tombstone, in the Claverack Cemetery,
bears the following inscription : " In memory of Catherine

40 BEST GENEALOGY

Mesick. wife of Hendrick Mesick, who died Dec. 20, 1792."
Hendrick Mesick lived on the old homestead, of which he
had a joint-lease, with his father, until his death. There
he was buried, but his remains, as well as those of his wife,
were re-interred in the cemetery of the old Dutch Church
at Claverack. Elected Deacon of the Linlithgo Reformed
Dutch Church, Aug. 15, 1741; Elder, and member of the
Consistory, from Aug. 15. 17 41, to Apr. 19, 1775. Was
commissioned Lieutenant, 6th Company, Regt. of Militia,
for Livingston Manor, by Cadwalader Colden, Jan. 25,
1764 (Mesick Genealogy). Was a member of "Regiment
of Foot, " organized in the Manor, prior to the Revolution,
under command of Capt. William van Alstyn. In the
records of the Dutch Church at Kingston, we find the
notice of his marriage: "Hendrick Musick, j. m. and
Catherine Diederick, j. d. both resid. in the Co. of Albanie
married on the presentation of a license, Sept. 19, 1748,
by Domine Geor. Wilhelm Mancius. "

In the baptismal register of the Manor Church, at Liv-
ingston, we find various spellings of Mesick, showing the
possibilities of phonetic spelling, and some of the difficulties
encountered by the searcher of old church records. We
have, Musig, Musick, Misick, Mysic, Musie, Miesig, Mussick,
Mussich, Miesick, Mussig, Missig, Mujigh; and there are,
undoubtedly, many other variations.

The will of Hendrick Mesick was in the possession of
Harriet Mesick Elsefer, a great-granddaughter, recently
deceased. In it, he appoints John Best, Jr., his son-in-
law, and Johannes Young, his brother-in-law. Executors.

(79) Jacob W. Best achieved distinction in the War of
181 2, rising through the grades to the rank of Captain.
After the close of the war he accepted a position in a bank-
ing house, in Wall St., N. Y. City. After a few years he
was advanced to the head of the firm, which he conducted
successfully up to the time of his death, in the 93rd year

J[ [IHf ttie irvace

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BEST GENEALOGY 41

of his age. From papers in the possession of (292) Mrs.
Cornelia C. De Groff, of Newark, N. J., to which the author
has had access, and from other authorities, to which
references are made, we obtain some knowledge of the
military career of Jacob W. Best. In the first paper, over
the signature and seal of Gov. Daniel D. Tompkins, affixed
June 5, 181 1, and passed at the office of Secretary Elisha
Jenkins, June 13, 181 1, we find him appointed and con-
stituted as Ensign of a company in the regiment of militia,
in the county of Albany, whereof Wm. Fryer, Esq., is
Lieutenant-Colonel commandant. Again we find him,
under date of Aug. 11, 1812, appointed by Gov. Tompkins,
Lieutenant of a company in the 89th Regiment of the
Infantry of the State. The third paper, which is quoted
in full, is as follows: " The People of the State of New York,
by the Grace of God, free and independent, To Jacob Best,
Greeting; We, reposing especial trust and confidence, as
well in your Patriotism, Conduct and Loyalty, as in your
valor, and readiness to do us good and faithful service,
have appointed and constituted, and by these presents do
appoint and constitute you the said Jacob Best Captain
of a Company in the 89th Regiment of Infantry of our said
state, whereof Sebastian Visscher, Esquire, is Lieutenant-
Colonel Commandant. You are therefore to take the said
Company into your charge and care, as Captain thereof,
and duly to exercise the Officers and Soldiers of that Com-
pany in arms, who are hereby commanded to obey you as
their Captain, and you are also to observe and follow such
Orders and Directions as you shall from time to time receive
from our General and Commander in Chief of the Militia
of our said State, or any other your Superior Officer,
according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in pursuance
of the Trust reposed in you; and for so doing this shall
be your commission, for and during our good pleasure, to
be signified by our Council of Appointment. In Testimony
Whereof, We have caused our Seal for Military Commis-

JL hO^ Jl 60t)l3 of the Stale of New-York, by the Grace of God, Free and Indepetzdent

TO

GREETING :

■iWiwftTmti

WwV AVOW iwfc jvlso Vo cX^iV'YXK, a-nA. wlujvtt iuJh, OfitA-s tvwA. WwctVWs

VvTOt <0 VvTOt, ittCtVMt

vVcnxa, V\v^^ iWii ti

•Xawv V9im\'nv\s5vo\\i

Vo S^t. WftvvwVo aVWtA.;

WITMESS CUT VTU^V^^ au.V ^UtlovuV DANIEL D. TO^IPKINS, to»^vm-t

.VvcvuVTOtAvV, aV

MWiwjj, vU &4«^y ^Wi/i.C/ky ^'^■\\'2^.orrU aAy/^'\^\ V^\e ^ta\ o\j^cvit iicv^ Ci

Passed the Secretary's Djffice, the)
XiS^- day ofcKm, cJj— 1812^'

-7r^7^^l

r

^V

BEST GENEALOGY 41

of his age. From papers in the possession of (292) Mrs.
Cornelia C. De Groff, of Newark, N. J., to which the author
has had access, and from other authorities, to which
references are made, we obtain some knowledge of the
military career of Jacob W. Best. In the first paper, over
the signature and seal of Gov. Daniel D. Tompkins, affixed
June 5, 181 1, and passed at the office of Secretary Elisha
Jenkins, June 13, 181 1, we find him appointed and con-
stituted as Ensign of a company in the regiment of militia,
in the county of Albany, whereof Wm. Fryer, Esq., is
Lieutenant-Colonel commandant. Again we find him,
under date of Aug. 11, 181 2, appointed by Gov. Tompkins,
Lieutenant of a company in the 89th Regiment of the
Infantry of the State. The third paper, which is quoted
in full, is as follows: " The People of the State of New York,
by the Grace of God, free and independent. To Jacob Best,
Greeting; We, reposing especial trust and confidence, as
well in your Patriotism, Conduct and Loyalty, as in your
valor, and readiness to do us good and faithful service,
have appointed and constituted, and by these presents do
appoint and constitute you the said Jacob Best Captain
of a Company in the 89th Regiment of Infantry of our said
state, whereof Sebastian Visscher, Esquire, is Lieutenant-
Colonel Commandant. Yoti are therefore to take the said
Company into your charge and care, as Captain thereof,
and duly to exercise the Officers and Soldiers of that Com-
pany in arms, who are hereby commanded to obey you as
their Captain, and you are also to observe and follow such
Orders and Directions as you shall from time to time receive
from our General and Commander in Chief of the Militia
of our said State, or any other your Superior Officer,
according to the Rules and Discipline of War, in pursuance
of the Trust reposed in you; and for so doing this shall
be your commission, for and during our good pleasure, to
be signified by our Council of Appointment. In Testimony
Whereof, We have caused our Seal for Military Commis-

42 BEST GENEALOGY

sions to be hereunto affixed. Witness our trusty and
well-beloved, Daniel D. Tompkins, Esquire, Governor of
our said State, General and Commander in Chief of all the
Militia, and Admiral of the Navy of the same, by and with
the advice and consent of our said Council of Appointment,
at our City of Albany, the second day of March, in the
Year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and fourteen,
and in the thirty-eighth Year of our Independence."
(Signed) "Daniel D.Tompkins, Gov." Passed the Secretary's
Office, the i8th day of April, 1814. (Signed) "J. Rutsen
Van Rensselaer, Secretary." To which is attached the
certificate of S. Visscher (initials undecipherable), city
and county of Albany, that Jacob Best had taken and
subscribed the oath required by law. Dated, at Albany,
May 12, 1 81 4. Capt. Jacob W. Best served on a number
of General Courts Martial, the full record of which may
be found in the "List of Ct. Martials, " at the Adjutant
General's Office at Albany, and in the "Military Papers
of Daniel D. Tompkins, Governor, 1807-1817," pages
706, 709, 740. One of the Orders appointing a General
Court Martial is as follows: "Adjutant General's Office,
3d M.D., New York, Nov. 20, 1814. G. O.: A General
Court Martial composed of the following officers of General
Haight's Brigade will sit at or near his Encampment for
the trial of such Officers and Prisoners of the Brigade as
may be brought before it. President, Lt. Col. Moses
L Cantine. Members, Major, John Tush, Major, Isaac Du
Bois, Capt. John Martin, Capt. Jacob Best, Capt. Conradt
I. Van Gaasbeck, Capt. Ichabod L. Judson, Lieut. David
R. Hobby, Lieut. Peter H. Spicer. Supernumeraries,
Capt'n. Benjamin Van Bentheusen, Lieut. Ira Jenkins,
Adjutant, Moses Aller, Judge Advocate. By Order,
[signed] John R. Fenwick, Adjt. Gen'l. " A Brigade Order,
addressed to the Encampment, at Brooklyn, Nov. 28,
1814, is as follows: " Capt. Best, his officers and men having
performed their tour of duty, are hereby honorably dis-

BEST GENEALOGY 43

charged from the service. The Commanding General
cannot omit embracing the present opportunity of ex-
pressing to Capt. Best and his officers his approbation
of their conduct while under his command. The sub-
ordination and orderly deportment of their men are
evinced not only by their improvement in military dis-
cipline, but in the accurate return which has been made
of the arms and accoutrements entrusted to their hands.
The General wishes them health and happiness, and bids
them farewell." "By order of Gen. Haight, [signed]
Theo. V. U. Varick, A. D. O."

50 ELIZABETH, daughter of (i6) Johannes Best;
m. Jacob Power, and had:

85 Margaret, b. Mch. 19; bp. Apr. 16, 1780. Spons.,

Johannes Best, and wife, Margaret Best.

86 Francis, b. Oct. 26; bp. Nov. 28, 1787. Spons.,

Francis Bartel, Christina Schmitt. Both bp.
at Claverack Dutch Church.

LII

52 WILHELMUS, son of (16) Johannes Best; m.
Mary Platnaar, daughter of Mark Platnaar, Sr., of Johns-
town, and had:

87 William W., b.

88 Jacob W., b. Dec. 20, 1788; bp. Jan. 18, 1789.

Spons., Marcus Platner, Jr., Catherine Best.

89

Polly, b.

; m. Clark.

90

Sophia, b.

91

Catherine, b.

; m. Henry P. Clum.

92

Helen, b.

; m. Philip H. Mink.

93

Henry, b.

44 BEST GENEALOGY

94 Elizabeth, b.

95 John W., b.

96 Martin C, b.

97 Richard, b. Apr. 4; bp. May 4, 1800. Spons.,

Reuben Bartel, Elizabeth Best.

William Best owned a large farm, on the road leading
from Blue Store southward to Elizaville, in 1790. He was
assessed to work 8 days, in 1803, in Road District No. 14,
from the Blue Store to Thomas Swarts' store. He saw
service in the Revolution. Was a member of the Inde-
pendent Co., Albany County Militia, Captain Petrus van
Gaasbeck. " N. Y. in the Revo.," p. 133. He served,
also, in the 6th Company, loth Regiment, Col. Peter R.
Livingston.

His son, (95) John W., was Lieutenant of Company
No. 2, of " Minute Men, " of the second ward of the City of
Hudson, formed in December, 1844, and called the "Law
and Order Association, " which was subject to the call
of the Sheriff of the county for the suppression of the
"Anti- Renters. "

In the will of William Best recorded 1829, he mentions
his children, William W., Jacob W., Polly Clark, Sophia
Best, Catherine Clum, Helen Mink, Elizabeth Best, John
W., and Martin C; and appoints his son Henry, daughter
Elizabeth, and friend Jacob H. Best, Executors.

XCI

91 CATHERINE, daughter of (52) Wilhelmus Best;
m. 1802, Henry P. Clum, b. i777; d.

1853. Resided Stockport, N. Y., and had:

98 William H., b. 1813. Enlisted at Stock-

port, June 24, 1861, in Co. G., 30th Regt.
Was killed at Upton Hill, Va., Oct. 15,
1861.

BEST GENEALOGY 45

XCII

92 HELEN (Lany), daughter of (52) Wilhelmus Best,
m. Philip H. Mink.

Philip H. Mink was Supervisor of the town of Gallatin,
in 1803. He kept store, and conducted a saw-mill, con-
structed for him by the Livingstons, under a life lease.
Upon the organization of the Town of Gallatin, he was
elected Overseer of the Poor. He and his brother, Henry
P., were the first residents of Snyderville, afterwards
called "Mink Hollow."

It is deemed unnecessary to trace, in detail, the line
of all the children of (52) Wilhelmus Best. Sufficient has
been given to allow his descendants to trace their line of
descent.

LIII

53 ANNA, daughter of (16) Johannes Best; m. Feb.
II, 1787, at Claverack, Philip Rockefeller, and had:

99 Catherine, b. Apr. 5; bp. Apr. 21, 1799. Spons.,
John Minklaar, Elizabeth Best.

The will of Philip Rockefeller, registered May 12,
1834, refers to his wife, Anna, but does not mention his
child; probably dead.

LIV

54 JACOB, son of (16) Johannes Best; m. July 14,
1769 (Banns), at Johnstown, Elizabeth (Eva) Smith. Both
residents thereof. Issue:

100 Helen, b. May 16; bp. June 26, 1777; m. William

H. Feller.
loi Levi, b.

46 BEST GENEALOGY

102 Eva, b. Sept. 12, 1780; bp. Feb. 4, 1781, at

Claverack. Spons., Hendrick Blatner, Eva
Best (sister) .

103 Margaret, b. . Single, in 1849.

104 Johannis, b. Oct. 16, 1785; bp. June 10, 1786.

105 Hendrick, b. Oct. 24, 1791; d. 1878.

Jacob Best resided on a large farm, in the town of
Milan, a few miles southeast of Pine Plains, then known
as " Little Nine Partners Patent. " He, afterwards, moved
to Pine Plains, and became the owner, in large part, of Lot
46, of Little Nine Partners, as shown in the various deeds
of conveyance, of record in the Clerk's Office of Dutchess
County. One of the deeds shows that (67) Johannes J.
was part owner of said Lot, and, with his wife, Christina,
conveyed his interest therein. "Deed Books 30, 31." The
will of (104) Hendrick was executed June 25, 1863, and
is of record in the office of the Surrogate of Dutchess
County.

CI

101 LEVI, son of (54) Jacob Best; m. Angelica
Resided in the town of Pine Plains. Issue:

iosa Angelica, b. ; m. George M. Belden.

Levi Best resided on the farm formerly owned by his
father (54) Jacob, situate about one mile and a half west
of the village of Pine Plains, which, with the farm owned
by Robert Ham, comprised, for the most part. Lot 46,
of the "Little Nine Partners Patent," which consisted
of 1200 acres of land. The first purchasers of Lot 46 were
Martin Ham and John Houghtaling, who were, also,
partners in the Patent. The farm is now known as the
"Jacob Ham farm." "History of Little Nine Partners,"
Hunting.

BEST GENEALOGY 47

We find, too, that Levi Best subscribed $20 for the
purchase of an organ at the Presbyterian Church, at Pine
Plains, in 1835. A local History tells us that Levi Best,
and his sister (103) Margaret were, in 1849, members of
the First Methodist Episcopal Church, at North German-
town, which had been connected with the West Taghkanick
Circuit. By deed, dated Apr. i, 1842, Jacob H. Best,
and wife, Christina, conveyed to (loi) Levi Best, 151
acres of land, in Lot 46, in L. N. P., where he resided until
his death.

LVI

56 CATHERINE, daughter of (16) Johannes Best; m.
Elias Young, and had :

106 Johannes, b. July 8; bp. Aug. 5, 1792. Spons.,

Johannes Young, and wife, Annatje Diederick,

LVIII

58 PETER, son of (16) Johannes Best; m. 1778,

(60) Christina Best, daughter of (17) Harmanus Best.
Issue:

107 Margaret, b. July i; bp. Aug. i, 1779. Spons.,

Johannes Best, and wife, Margaret Mesick;
m. Abraham J. Fonda.

108 Magdalena, b. May 24; bp. June 25, 1785.

Peter Best took part in the Revolutionary War. Was
a Lieutenant in Capt. Leonard Ten Broeck's Company,
Albany County Militia, loth Regt., Manor of Livingston,
Col. Peter R. Livingston. Appointed, May 28, 1778.
"N. Y. in the Revo.," p. 270. Also a member of the
Independent Co., same Militia, Capt. Petrus van Gaasbeck.
"N. Y. in the Revo.," p. 133. He was Constable of
Livingston Manor. There is a receipt, dated Jan. 18,

48 BEST GENEALOGY

1776, signed by Thomas Golden, Sheriff of Ulster County,
directed to (58) Peter Best, Constable of Livingston Manor,
for writs for the election of Representatives. " Cal. of N. Y.,
Hist. Manuscripts," vol. c, p. 835.

CVII

107 MARGARET, daughter of (58) Peter Best; m.
Abraham J. Fonda, and had:

109 Harriet, b. July 27; bp. Sept. 17, 1796. Spons.,

Henry Botts, Elizabeth Best,
no Maria, b. Apr. 20; bp. June 10, 1798. Spons.,

John Shafer, Maria Schmit.

LIX

59 CATRIEN, daughter of (17) Harmanus Best; m.
Nov. 5, 1765 (Banns), at Johnstown, Jacob Decker. Issue:

111 Jacob, bp. Aug. 10, 1766. Spons., Jacob

Decker, and wife, Marytje Vosburg.

112 EvA, bp. Mch. 20, 1768. Spons., Johannes

Best, and wife, Eva Lounart.

113 Marytje, bp. Sept. 17, 1769. Spons., Charles

McCarthy, and wife, Dorothea Decker.

114 Johannes, bp. June 2, 1771. Spons., Johannes

Best, Annatje Best.

115 Elizabeth, b. July 24; bp. Aug. I, 1779. Spons.,

Jacob Power, Elizabeth Power.

116 Dorothy, b. Dec. 26, 1782; bp. Jan. 16, 1783.

Spons., Johannes Wiest, Barbara Wiest.

Jacob Decker was one of the signers of the Viele Petition
(" Doc. Hist, of N. Y.," vol. ii., p. 192) ; served in the Revo-
lution as a member of the loth Regt., Albany County
Militia (Land Bounty Rights), Capt. Conrad Cline. Town

BEST GENEALOGY 49

Clerk of Livingston, 1802. Town Clerk of Taghkanick,
1803-1816.

LXI

6i MAGDALENA, daughter of (17) Harmanus Best;
m. David Batz (Potts), at Claverack, and had:

117 Anna, b. Apr. 3; bp. Apr. 28, 1782. Spons.,

Seth Tobie, Hannah Best.

118 Petrus, b. Nov.; bp. Dec. 30, 1787. Spons.,

Petrus Schofe, Barbara Batz.

119 Charles Vincent, b. June 6; bp. July i, 1792.

Spons., Charles Vincent, Polly Blattner.

120 Wilhelmus, b. Aug. 2; bp. Aug. 24, 1794-

Spons., Willem Batz, Christina Batz.

121 Maria ) b. July 16; bp. Aug. 21, 1796.

122 Elizabeth ) Spons., Ludwig Batz, Maria

Decker.

LXII

62 JACOB HARMAN, son of (17) Harmanus Best;
m. 1786, Eva Minklaer, b. Aug. 12, 1765; d. Dec.

27, 1837. Issue:

123 Anna, b. Oct. 15; bp. Nov. 18, 1792. Spons.,

Seth Toby, Anna Best.

124 Margaretha Livingston, b. June 27; bp. July

15, 1799. Spons., Robert T. Livingston, Mary
T.Livingston; m. Feb. 11, 1816, John L Petre.

125 Jacob, b. ; d. 1829; m. Mary Pender.

126 James, b. Mch. 14, 1805; d. Feb. 26, 1869; m.,

ist, Hannah Minklaer; m., 2nd, Amanda
Bullock; m., 3rd., Christina Plass.

Jacob Harman Best was a Lieutenant in the State
Militia, in 1793. He resided on the homestead occupied

50 BEST GENEALOGY

by his parents at their decease, which was situated about
two miles northwest from Johnstown. He was found by
the Road Commissioners in Road District No. 21, from
the Manor Mills to the Claverack line, 1803, and was as-
sessed to work 8 days.

CXXV

125 JACOB, son of (62) Jacob Harman Best; m. Oct.
25, 1821, at Claverack, Mary Pender. Issue:

127 Herman, b.

CXXVI

126 JAMES, son of (62) Jacob Harman Best; m., ist,
Hannah Minklaer, b. 1802; d. May 15, 1846,

in the 44th year of her age. Issue:

128 Eugene, b.

129 Clermont Livingston, b. Apr. 25, 1824; m.

ist, Sarah Utley; m. 2nd, Mary Tooker; d.
Apr. 7, 1897.

130 Sarah Agnes, b. Dec. 13, 1842.

M., 2nd, Amanda Bullock, b. Dec. i, 1821; d. Dec. 15,
i860, and had:

131 Robert, b. ; m., 1st, Mary G. Hermans;

m., 2nd, Emma .

j 132 James R., bp. Sept. 2, 1859; m.

\ 133 Anna, bp. Sept. 2, 1859; m. Edward Dexter-

M. 3rd, Christina Plass, and had:

134 WiLLARD, bp. July 14, 1867.

CXXIX

129 CLERMONT LIVINGSTON, son of (126) James
Best; m., ist, 1847, Sarah Utley, daughter of Ralph

COL. CLKKMONT L. HF.S'I

BEST GENEALOGY 51

and Sarah Utley, of Hudson, N. Y. She was b. 1824 ;

d. Mch. 1883. Issue:

135 Clermont Livingston, b. Mch. 29, 1849; ^^

Laura Corbitt.

M., 2nd, Sept. 29, 1884, Mary Tooker, daughter of
Joseph G. Tooker, of N. Y. City. She was
b. at Newport, R. L He d. Apr. 13, 1902.
Issue :

136 Anna Tooker, b. 1886; m.

Mrs. Clermont L. Best resided, in 1900, at No. 56 East
67th St., N. Y. City, after the death of her husband. The
war record of Colonel Best may be summarized as follows :

Colonel Clermont L. Best, a hero of many wars, passed
away on Wednesday night, April 7, 1897, at his home in
New York City, after a week's illness, of heart disease.
He was, then, on the retired list of the United States Army.
Colonel Best was the son of James Best, a former Hud-
sonian, and was born in the village of Livingston, in
Columbia County, on April 26, 1824. On July i, 1842,
he entered the West Point Military Academy, from which
he graduated on July i, 1847. He was brevetted 2nd
Lieutenant on the date of his leaving the Academy. He
was made a ist Lieutenant of the 4th Artillery on Sept.
12, 1850; served in the Seminole War, in Florida, in '50,
'56, and '57; was on frontier duty in quelling the disturb-
ances in Kansas, in '57 and '58; and in the Utah expedition,
in '58. He served, during the Civil War, in the Shenan-
doah Valley, and in Maryland; and was made Captain of
the 4th Artillery, on April 29, 1 86 1 . He was in the northern
Virginia campaign, in '61 and '62; was chief of the 5th
Army Corps, which was in the battle of Cedar Mountain,
August 9, '62, and the battle of Antietam, Sept. 17, '62.
He took part in the Rappahannock campaign, from Dec,
'62 to June, '63, and was in the battle of Chancellors ville,
on May 2-3, '63, where he was brevetted Major for

52 BEST GENEALOGY

gallant and meritorious services. He took part in the
struggle at Gettysburg, on July 1-3, 1863, and was there
brevetted Lieutenant-Colonel, for gallantry. At the close
of the war was brevetted Colonel, for good conduct and
gallantry during the Rebellion. He was made Major of
the ist Artillery, in '67 ; Lieutenant-Colonel, in '83 ; and was
retired from active service, as Colonel of the 4th United
States Artillery, on April 25, 1888. Colonel Best is sur-
vived by his widow, Mary, daughter of the late Joseph
G. Tooker, of New York, and her daughter; also by his
son. Major Clermont L. Best, of the ist Artillery, who was
born of the Colonel's first wife, Sarah, daughter of the late
Ralph Utley, of Hudson, New York. The funeral occurred
at his residence, in New York City, and the interment took
place in the Hudson Cemetery, with appropriate ceremonies.

cxxxv

135 CLERMONT LIVINGSTON, son of (129) Cler-
mont Livingston Best; m. Jan. 14, 1886, in San Francisco,
Cal., Laura Corbitt, daughter of William Corbitt, and had:

137 Laura, b. 1887.

A newspaper clipping gives this notice of the death of
Major Best:

" Major Clermont L. Best, second in command of Fortress
Monroe, Va., was stricken with apoplexy, while at dinner,
Tuesday night, April 13, at Newport News, Va., and
died without regaining consciousness. He had been at
the Fort about two years. He leaves a widow and daugh-
ter. Major Best was born in Hudson, N. Y., being the son
of Colonel Best, who lies under the tallest granite shaft
in the Hudson cemetery. Major Best was a cousin of the
Misses Clara and Sarah Clark, and Mrs. Robert M. Terry,
of this city [Hudson]. He graduated from the West
Point Military Academy, in 1874. His wife was a San

MAJOR CLERMONT L. BEST, JR.

BEST GENEALOGY 53

Francisco woman, Miss Laura Corbitt. He was buried at
the National Cemetery, 'Arlington,' Wash., D. C."

CXXXI

131 ROBERT, son of (126) James Best; m., ist,

1852, Mary G. Hermans, b. June 24, 1833; d. July 16, 1853;
m., 2nd, Emma , b. Apr. 15, 1837; d. Apr. 23, 1858,

at Kingston. Buried at Hudson.

CXXXII

132 JAMES R., son of (126) James Best; m.
Issue :

138 Wallace, b. ; m.

139 Clara, b.

LXIII

63 ANNA, daughter of (17) Harmanus Best; m.
Seth Tobey.

Seth Tobey died in 18 16. Was licensed to keep an Inn,
in 1786, in Hudson. In his will, recorded July 13, 1816,
he gave to his wife, Anna, a lot of land, " situate in that
part of my orchard, in the City of Hudson, used for a
family burying ground," to be maintained as such; and
appoints (62) Jacob H. Best as one of his Executors.

LXIV

64 GEORGE, son of (17) Harmanus Best; m. Jan. 25,
1773, Marytje Mesick, at Johnstown, and had:

140 Elizabeth, bp. July 20, 1775. Spons., Herman

Best, and wife, Maria Elizabeth Rorich; m.
Feb. I, 1794, Marks Platner, Jr.

141 Maria, b. Dec. 18, 1779; bp. Jan. I, 1780. Spons.,

Mynder van de Bogert, Sarah Missig (Mesick).

54 BEST GENEALOGY

142 Hendrick, b. Jan. 21 ; bp. Feb. 17, 1782. Spons.,

Seth Tobie, Annatje Best.

George Best was one of the Executors of the will of (16)
Johannes Best.

LXV

65 ELIZABETH, daughter of (17) Harmanus Best;
m. Martin T. Cooper. Issue:

143 Jacob, b. Oct. 30; bp. Nov. 15, 1789. Spons.,

Jacob Best, and wife, Eva Best.

144 John, b. Oct. 5; bp. Oct. 30, 1791. Spons., Jno.

Cooper, Rachel Ham.

145 Thomas Broadhead, b. Feb. 15; bp. Mch. 10,

1793. Spons., Thomas Broadhead, Maria
Curtis.

Martin T. Cooper was Supervisor from the town of
Clermont, in 1793, being the 2nd Supervisor elected after
the organization of the town. Enlisted from Greenport,
Sept., 1864, for three years, being then far beyond the age
limit. In the will of Elizabeth Cooper, registered Jan.
28, 1867, she appoints Jacob Cooper, of Hudson, brother-
in-law. Executor, and Trustee to children, unmarried.

LXVI

66 ELIZABETH, daughter of (18) Jacob Best; m.
Hendrick Smith. Issue:

146 Hendrick, b. Dec. 31, 1780; bp. Jan. 28, 1781.

Spons., parents.

147 Jacob, b. Mch. 30; bp. May 2, 1784. Spons.,

Jacob Ham, Lenah Ham.

148 Jeremy, b. Nov. 26; bp. Dec. 25, 1790. Spons.,

Martinus Cooper, Elizabeth Best.

BEST GENEALOGY 55

LXVII

67 JOHANNES J., son of (i8) Jacob Best; m. Nov. 7,
1780, Christina Ham (Banns), both of Johnstown. She
was b. Dec. 10, 1759; d. Dec. 3, 1846. Issue:

149 Jacob, b. Apr. 7; bp. May 6, 1781. Spons.,

Jacob Best, Eva Best; d. Apr. 11, 1861.

150 Margaritta, b. Mch. ; bp. Apr. 13, 1783.

Spons., Fyt Rossman, Anna Rossman; d.
buried Churchtown; m. Peter I. Rossman.

151 Johannes, bp. Aug. 31, 1785. Spons., Jacob

Fingar, Marytje Plass; d. Jan. 24, 1844; ni.
Elizabeth Sedam.

152 Jeremiah, b. June 17, 1788; d. Feb. 5, 1876; m.

Margaret Miller.

153 Marytje, b. Oct. 3; bp. Nov. 1790.

Spons., Wilhelmus Best, Marytje Platnar;
m. Feb. 5, 1809, (80) Ephraim Best, son of
(49) John Best, Jr., and Margaret Mesick;
d. Sept. 26, 1869.

154 Lena, b. June 13; bp. July 17, 1796. Spons.,

Jacob Ham, Lena Best; d. 1862; m.

Michael Horton.

155 Robert, b. Jan. i, 1799; d. Dec. 3, 1890; m.

Anna Maria Hallenbeck.

156 Catherine, b. ; d. ; m. John W.

Clapper.

Johannes J. Best was retiring Elder of the Johnstown
Dutch Church, in 1807. Elder, again. May, 181 1. The
marriage record reads: "Johannes J. Best j. m. born in
Livingston, in the ' Manner of Livingstond ' and Christina
Ham, j. d. born in Livingston, and both residing in the
' Mannor of Livingstond, ' married on the presentation of
a Certificate that 3 sabbath publications had been made
without objection in the Church of the ' Mannor Living-

56 BEST GENEALOGY

stond' Nov. 7, 1780." The military history of John J.
Best, a soldier of the Revolutionary War, as appears from
his application for pension on file in the Bureau of Pensions,
Department of War, Wash., D. C, is as follows: In
1776, he served 9 months in the ranks, Capt. Petrus van
Gaasbeck, Col. Livingston. In April, 1777, he enlisted
for 6 months, Capt. Henry Pulver, Col. Hay. He again
saw service, in 1779, for 3 months, under Capt. Leonard
Ten Broeck. His application also states that he saw
service for 2 months in each year, 1779, '80, '81; the names
of the officers in command not being stated. He resided
during his lifetime on the farm now known as the Diblee
Farm in the town of Taghkanick; and was among the
earliest settlers in the western part of the town, which
was, then, within the boundaries of Livingston Manor.
He was one of the petitioners to the Legislature, " de-
manding an investigation into the Livingston Title."
"Doc. Hist, of N. Y.," O'Callaghan, vol. iii., p. 839.

LXX

70 CATHERINE, daughter of (18) Jacob Best; m.
John G. Rossman, and had the following:

157

George, b. Nov. 25, 1808. Spons., bp., Hannah

Best.

158

Jacob, b. Jan

. 19, 181 1. Spons., bp., Jacob H.

Best, Eva

Minklaer.

159

Margaret, b.
Etten.

Jan. 7, 181 5; m. Henry S. Van

160

William, b.

161

Susan, b.

; m. Reuben F. Lapham.

162

Eve, b.

; m. Samuel Jeremiah Lape.

163

Ann, b.

; m. Samuel Shutts.

164

Mary, b.

; m. Edward Stickles.

165

James, b.

BEST GENEALOGY 57

John G. Rossman resided in the town of Livingston,
where his son (165) James was living in 1900. In the
Minutes of the Consistory of the Johnstown Church, dated
May 4, 1 83 1, we find the following: "Resolved that the
Note due the Consistory from Mencries Livingston be col-
lected and that John G. Rossman and . . . be a committee
for that purpose. "

CLIX

159 MARGARET, daughter of (70) Catherine Rossman;
m. Henry S. Van Etten, and had:

166 Sarah, b. ; m. Henry Smith.

CLXII

162 EVE, daughter of (70) Catherine Rossman; m.
Samuel Jeremiah Lape; b., at Churchtown, Jan. 28,

1 816; son of Thomas J. Lape and Lena Miller, and nephew
of Margaret Lape, who married (75) John J. Best; d. before
1870.

CLXIII

163 ANN, daughter of (70) Catherine Rossman; m.
Samuel Shutts, b. Mch. 19, 1828, and had:

167 Henry, b.

Samuel Shutts resided at Livingston. He was Super-
visor for 2 terms; Assessor, 9 years; Superintendent of
Poor, 3 years; Justice of Peace, 12 years. He died in
1907. He enlisted for the Civil War, at Claverack, Aug.
15, 1862, 128th Regt., Co. G. He was one of the first
directors of the Livingston Mutual Ins. Co., organized
1848; and its secretary from 1867 to 1898.

58 BEST GENEALOGY

LXXI

71 PETRUS J., son of (18) Jacob Best; m.
Elizabeth Minklaer. Issue:

168 Henry, b. July 2; bp. July 20, 1800. Spons.,

Peter A. Decker, Catherine Rossman; m.
Hicks; d. 1850.

CLXVIII

168 HENRY, sonof (71) PetrusJ.Best;m. Hicks,

and had :

169 Henry, b. ; m. Isabelle Hood.

170 Herbert, b. ; m. Anna Waltermire.

LXXII

72 JACOB, son of (18) Jacob Best; m. 180?
Margaret Fingar, b. Jan. 8, 1784; d. Feb. 24, 1875. Issue:

171 Tunis, b. Apr. 29, 1805; d. Mch. 22, 1880; m.

Lovina Doane.

172 Eliza, b. Apr. 13, 1807. Spons. to bp., John

J. Best, Christina Best; d. Aug., 1888; m.
Daniel Sherwood.

173 Alexander, b. Nov. 4, 1808; d. Apr. 1876;

single.

174 Mary, b. May 17, 1810; d. ; m. Carlostin

Sanford Smith.

175 Thomas J., b. Apr. 26, 1812; d. 1869; m.

Apr. 27, 1833, Catherine A. Plumb, of Hudson.
She d. 1895. Both buried at Gallatin-

ville.

176 John M., b. Mch. 25, 1814; d. May i, 1896; m.

ist, Harriet Tanner; m. 2nd, Caroline Vos-
burgh.

177 Richard, b. Jan. 22, 1816; d. Oct. 7, 1819.

BEST GENEALOGY 59

178 Reuben, b. Feb. i, 1818; d. ; m. Sylvina

Booth.

179 Helen, b. May 27, 1819; d. Mch. 15, 1848;

single.

180 Elizabeth, b. Sept. 24, 1821; d. July 24, 1839;

single.

181 Christina, b. June 5, 1823; living (1900); m.

Mch. 30, 1876, Lyman Morehouse. He d.
Apr. 20, 1876; no issue.

182 Margaret Ann, b. Jan. 18, 1825; d. Dec. 24,

1872; m. Lyman Morehouse.

Jacob Best resided in the town of Milan, Dutchess Co.,
on a large farm. In his will, dated Mch. 24, 1854, and
probated 1861, he appointed his sons (171) Tunis, (173)
Alexander, (175) Thomas J., Executors. (173) Alexander
resided in the town of Milan. Was a prosperous farmer;
and, for some years, represented the town in the Board
of Supervisors. At a special town meeting held at the
house of Ambrose L. Smith, in the town of Milan, Little
Nine Partners, Aug. 9, 1864, (173) Alexander Best was ap-
pointed one of the Committee of three, under the following
resolutions: "Resolved, That the Supervisor of the Town
shall have the power to borrow money on the credit of the
said town sufficient to pay to volunteers to fill the quota of
the town under the call of the president for 500,000 men."
" Resolved, That to every man who shall volunteer and be
mustered in the United States service for the term of three
years shall be paid, as a town bounty, the sum of $500."
" Resolved, That a Committee of three be appointed by the
Chair to draw the money upon the order of the Supervisor
to pay to those men who are drafted; and to every man
that is drafted under this present call shall be paid, as a
bounty from this town, the sum of $400." "Resolved,
That every man who is liable to a draft, and not taxable,
shall pay to the Committee appointed the sum of $25,

60 BEST GENEALOGY

on or before the 25 of August, 1864." " Resolved, That
any person who shall enlist for one year, or two, shall
receive the same as a drafted man, $400; and that the
Supervisor in procuring men for the quota shall have the
power to pay to all enlisted by him for one year the sum
of $400. "

CLXXI

171 TUNIS, son of (72) Jacob Best; m. Jan. 19, 1832,
at Claverack, Lovina Doane, dau. of Ezra Doane, of Milan;
b. May 11, 1813; d. Dec. 31, 1892. Issue:

183 Frances E., b. Mch. 29, 1833; d. Mch. i, 1885;

m. Nelson Hallenbeck, at Johnstown, by
Rev. Duzenberry. No issue.

184 Edward Alexander, b. May 5, 1834; m.

Elizabeth Sharp.

185 Ezra D., b. May 18, 1836; single.

186 Jane M., b. June 16, 1839; d. Mch. 24, 1898; m.

Horatio E. Moore.

187 Lavina T., b. Dec. 19, 1844; m. Charles Miller.

188 Arthur A., b. June 10, 1851; d. July 29, 1871.

Single.

Tunis Best resided in the town of Livingston.

CLXXII

172 ELIZA, daughter of (72) Jacob Best; m. Dec.
30, 1824, Daniel Sherwood, and had:

189 Walter, b. Dec. 3, 1825; d. Oct. 11, 1829.

190 Emily, b. Mch. 12, 1828; d. Aug. 31, 1859; m.

Esek Smith. No issue.

191 Sterling, b. Jan. 26, 1830; d. June 13, 1839.

192 Harmon B., b. Mch. 10, 1832; m. Charity

Sherwood. No issue. Resides Milan.

BEST GENEALOGY 61

193 Ellen, b. Apr. 19, 1834; m. Walter Herrick,

M.D.

194 Harriet Eliza, b. May 22, 1836; m. Morgan

Lamoree. No issue. Resides Stattsburgh,
N. Y.

195 Ruth A., b. July 24, 1838; m. Martin L. Kilmer.

No issue. Resides Jackson Corners, N. Y.

196 Mary L., b. Sept. 3, 1841; d. Apr. 7, i860.

Single.

197 Daniel S., b. Mch. 24, 1844; d. June 11, 1899;

m. (209) Harriet Best, daughter of (176)
John M. Best.

Daniel Sherwood resided at Pine Plains, Dutchess Co.,

N.Y.

CLXXIV

174 MARY, daughter of (72) Jacob Best; m.
Carlostin Sanford Smith. Both buried at Gallatin villa.
Issue :

198 Mary C, b. ; single.

199 Helen I., b. ; single.

200 Alexander J., b. ; single.

201 Thomas I., b. ; single.

202 Anna E., b. ; m. William A. Chapman.

Carlostin S. Smith enlisted, at Clermont, Nov. 12, 1862,
Co. I., 159th Regt. Resided at Gallatin ville, N. Y.

ecu

202 ANNA E., daughter of (174) Mary Smith; m. Apr.
15, 1863, William A. Chapman. Issue:

203 Florence M., b.

204 Annette, b.

205 Mary L., b. ; m. George B. Powell.

62 BEST GENEALOGY

William A. Chapman enlisted, at Stockport, Oct.
1862, Co. G., 90th Regt. Served until the close of the war.

CCV

205 MARY L., daughter of (202) Anna E. Chapman;
m,, 189 , George B. Powell, and had:

206 Wayne Chapman, b.

CLXXVI

176 JOHN M., son of (72) Jacob Best; m., ist,
1839, at Churchtown, Harriet Tanner. She d. Nov. 4,
1844. Issue:

207 Julia, b. Apl. 29, 1841; d. Nov. 2, 1896.

208 Josephine, b. 1842; d. 1844.

209 Harriet, b. Oct. 20, 1844; d. Dec. 12. 1886;

m. (197) Daniel S. Sherwood.

M. 2nd, Feb. 12, 1846, Caroline Vosburgh. She was
b. Nov. 13, 1821; d. June 16, 1881. Issue:

210 Fred. M., b. Sept. 3, 1847; m. at Livingston,

Mch. 4, 1879, Elizabeth Anna Dawson, b.,
at Springfield, Ohio, May 30, 1853. Resides
Barre, Orleans Co., N. Y. No issue.

211 Mary E., b. Apr. 13, 1857; d. Feb. 13, 1858.

212 George E., b. Apr. 10, 1861; m., at Brockport,

Monroe Co., N. Y., Nov. 14, 1883, Cora E.
Benedict. Resides Bergen, Genesee Co., N. Y.
No issue.

John M. Best, after his marriage to Harriet Tanner,
removed from Milan, Dutchess Co., to a farm situated
about one mile north of Johnstown, in Columbia Co., where
he resided five years. After the death of his first wife,
and remarriage, he removed to Barre, Orleans Co., N. Y.,

BEST GENEALOGY 63

and purchased the farm he occupied at the time of his
death.

CCIX

209 HARRIET, daughter of (176) John M. Best; m.
Oct. 20, 1875, (197) Daniel S. Sherwood. Resides Pine
Plains, N. Y. Issue:

213 Fred. A., b. Aug. 26, 1877; m. Lena May-

Stickles.

214 Christina Ruth, b. May 3, 1886.

CCXIII

213 FRED. A., son of (209) Harriet Sherwood; m.
Oct. 12, 1898, Lena May Stickles, daughter of Henry H.
Stickles and Helena Weaver, of Jackson Corners, N. Y.
Issue:

215 Henry Daniel, b. June 9, 1900.
Fred. A. Sherwood resides Pine Plains, N. Y.

CXCIII

193 ELLEN, daughter of (172) Eliza Sherwood; m.
Walter Herrick, M.D., of Rhinebeck, N. Y., and had:

216
217

CLXXVIII

178 REUBEN, son of (72) Jacob Best; m. at Presby-
terian Church, Pine Plains, 184 , Sylvina Booth.
Issue :

218 Albert, b. Oct. 22, 1843; d. Apr. 21, 1900; m.
Estelle Starr.

64 BEST GENEALOGY

219 Harriet B., b. Aug. 25, 1844; m. John Piester.

220 Leonard H., b. July 18, 1847; i^- Mary Whit-

comb.

221 Josephine, b. Oct. 5, 184 ; d. 186 .

Single.

Reuben Best resided at Pine Plains, N. Y.

CCXVIII

218 ALBERT, son of (178) Reuben Best; m. Feb. 21,
1866, Estelle Starr, and had:

222 Bertha, b. Mch. i, 1867; m. Samuel McCon-

nell.

223 Clara, b. Oct. 3, 1868. Single.

224 Albert Starr, b. Apr. 25, 1870; m. Apr. 18,

1895, Marjorie Ayres. Resides No. 10 East
130th St., N. Y. City. No issue.

225 Ralph Westervelt, b. Apr. 6, 1873.

226 Hattie Estelle, b. Aug. 8, 1876; d. June 11,

The New York Herald, of April 23, 1900, contained the
following account of the death of Albert Best, which oc-
curred April 21 inst.: "Albert Best, senior member of the
firm of Best & Co., of West Twenty-third Street, died
suddenly of heart disease Saturday afternoon in Mount
Vernon while on a bicycle trip through Westchester County
with friends.

" He was a great lover of the wheel and when the weather
and business cares would permit used to leave his home,
No. 15 West i2ist Street, and take a spin on his bicycle
through the Park and along the roads in the upper part
of the city.

" He invited several friends to go with him after lunch
Saturday on a trip through the lower end of Westchester

BEST GENEALOGY &5

County. He planned to stop at the house of a friend in
Mount Vernon and then return home.

" He rode with his accustomed vigor until the party ap-
proached Mount Vernon, when he began to experience
pains in his stomach. He spoke to several members of the
party about it.

" When they reached Mount Vernon the pain had
become acute and he got off the bicycle. His face grew
pale and his companions took him to the home of a
friend, where in spite of medical skill he expired in
three hours.

" Albert Starr Best and Ralph Westervelt Best, sons of
Mr. Best, are members of the Seventh Regiment, and were
at Croton with the Regiment. They were immediately
notified of the death of their father and returned to the
city yesterday on a leave of absence.

"The death of Mr. Best removes from the world a phi-
lanthropist whose charities, covering all creeds and races,
will never be adequately known. He was born in October,
1843, at Pine Plains. When sixteen years old he came to
the city and entered the employ of A. T. Stewart as a clerk,
remaining there five years. When he was twenty-one
years old he went to Newark, N. J., and entered business
for himself, opening a drygoods store, which he continued
for eighteen years with much success. Then he moved
to Buffalo, N. Y., where he conducted a furniture store
four years. Then he came to this city and started with
a store in Sixth Avenue, between Twenty-second and
Twenty-third Streets. Ten years ago, the business having
grown to large proportions, the firm went to its present
location, in Twenty-third Street.

" Three daughters, two sons and a widow survive him.
The latter was Miss Estelle Starr, daughter of John Starr,
a merchant. Mr. Best was a member of the Harlem
Club, Aldine Club, and Second Collegiate Reformed Church
of Harlem."

66 BEST GENEALOGY

CCXXII

222 BERTHA, daughter of (218) Albert Best; m.
Jan. 17, 1884, Samuel McConnell, and had:

227 Donald, b. Nov., 1889; d. Apr., 1900.

228 Albert Best, b. Apr. 17, 1896.

CCXIX

219 LEONARD H., son of (178) Reuben Best; m.
Sept., 1872, Mary Whitcomb. Resides East Orange, N. J.
Issue :

229 Ida Annette, b. Nov. i, 1873.

Leonard H. Best is a manufacturer. Factory, No.
144-150 Orange St., Cor. High St., Newark, N. J. Office,
No. 17 East 46th St., N. Y. City.

ccxx

220 HARRIET B., daughter of (178) Reuben Best;
m. Feb. 18, 1869, John Piester, b. Sept. 5, 1840; d. May
22, 1872. Resides No. 14 East 125th St., N. Y. City.
Issue :

230 Lizzie B., b. Feb. 24, 1870.

CLXXXII

182 MARGARET ANN, daughter of (72) Jacob Best;
m. Nov. 12, 1851, Lyman Morehouse, b. Mch. 6, 1820;
d. Apr. 20, 1876. Issue:

231 Cyrus F., b. Aug. 6, 1858; m. Florence Story.

No issue. Resides Rock City, Dutchess Co.,
N. Y. Was Supervisor, 1900.

BEST GENEALOGY 67

CLXXXIV

184 EDWARD ALEXANDER, son of (171) Tunis
Best; m. Jan. 29, 1863, Elizabeth Sharp, daughter of John
Sharp, of Claverack; b. June 21, 1835. Issue:

232 Frank, b. Dec. 29, 1863; m. Ettie Miller.

233 Bertha, b. Aug. 20, 1875; d. Dec. 21, 1876.

Edward A. Best resides in the southern part of the town
of Claverack; is a leading agriculturist; and has been a
member of the town Board of Assessors, and a school
trustee.

CCXXXII

232 FRANK, son of (184) Edward A. Best; m. June
10, 1886, Ettie Miller, of Humphrey ville, and had:

234 Archland, b. Oct. 21, 1887.

235 Edward A., b. Mch. 23, 1889.

CLXXXVI

186 JANE M., daughter of (171) Tunis Best; m. Oct.
25, 1850, Horatio E. Moore, b. Aug. 25, 1831; d. Mch. 24,
1898, and had:

236 Herbert W., b. Jan. 15, 1864; m. June 3, 1889,

lone Buss, daughter of Frederick W. Buss,
of Stockport; b. Apr. 23, 1869. No issue.
Resides Waterbury, Conn.

237 Charles H., b. May 5, 1868; d. July 20, 1889.

Single.

CLXXXVII

187 LAVINA T., daughter of (171) Tunis Best; m.
Dec. 31, 1874, Charles Miller, b. Dec. 15, 1848, and had:

68 BEST GENEALOGY

238 Margaret Best, b. Sept. 18, 1877.

239 John Clarence, b. Aug. 5, 1879.

240 Frances L., b. Jan. 6, 1882.

241 Dora May, b. Apr. 24, 1886; d. Oct. 10, 1888.

Charles Miller resided at Livingston, Dutchess Co.,

N. Y.

LXXV

75 JOHN J., son of (49) Johannes Best; m. Jan. 26,
1800, at Stuyvesant, by Rev. Romeyn, Margaret (Mary)
Lape; b. Dec. 10, 1779; d. Mch. 20, 1868, aged 89 years.
She was a daughter of Thomas Lape and Maria Potts.
Issue :

242 Eve, b. Mch. 21,; bp. Apr. 26, 1801; m. Jacob

Tiel Ham; d. Apr. 10, 1869. Buried Stuy-
vesant Landing.

243 Thomas, b. June 20, 1803; m. (315) Elizabeth

Rossman; d. June 29, 1883. Buried Church-
town.

244 John Lounard, b. Dec. 31, 1805; m. Maria

Williams; d. at Schodack, Dec. 21, 1829.
Buried Johnstown.

245 Catherine, b. Mch. 25; bp., at Claverack, May

I, 1808; m. Robert Nicholas Van Deusen;
d. Dec. I, 1876. Buried Stuyvesant Landing.

246 Henry Allan, b. Dec. 20, i8io; bp., at Johns-

town; m. Elizabeth P. Cutter; d. Nov. i, 1884,
aged 73 years. Buried Stuyvesant Landing.
246A Mary, b. Nov. 4; bp., at Churchtown, Nov. 28,
1813; m., ist, Milton Peters; m., 2nd, Peter
J. Hotaling; d. Dec. 4, 1878. Buried Stuy-
vesant Landing.

247 William, b. May 2, 1816; m. Emeline Miller; d.

May 14, 1873.

BEST GENEALOGY 69

248 Peter, b. Sept. 30, 1819; m. Harriet Rocke-

feller; d. May 7, 1884. Buried Claverack.

249 Jacob, b. Feb. 3, 1823; m. Gertrude Nevius.

He was living 1894.

John J. Best was Elder of the Reformed Dutch Church
at Stuyvesant Landing, Dec. 10, 1830. In the Minutes
of the Consistory of this church we notice that John J.
Best is mentioned as the husband of Mary Best, which was
probably her name, and, hence, has been placed in paren-
theses. It is hardly possible that two brothers should
each marry a Margaret Lape. It is more likely that an
error has been made in the Lape Genealogy. Thomas
Lape had a daughter Mary; and I believe that it was Mary,
not Margaret, who married John J. Best. Assuming that
the former name is correct, the dates of her birth and
death should be otherwise than as stated.

LXXVI

76 CATHERINE, daughter of (49) Johannes Best;
m., ist, Jan. 15, 1796, at Claverack, Teunis Becker. He
d. Sept. 18, 1808. Issue:

250 Margaret, b. May 2; bp. June 25, 1797. Spons.,

John Best, Margaret Mesick; m. William
Reynolds.

251 Christina Maria, b. Dec. 28, 1798; m. Jacob

Shultus; d. Dec. 5, 1883.

252 Peter, b. Aug. 14, 1801; m. Harriet Acly; d.

July 21, 1887.

253 Catherine, b. Nov. 15, 1803; m. Abraham Van

Hoevenburg; d. Mch. 18, 1848.

254 Mary, b. Jan. 23, 1806; d. Oct. i, 1807.

M., 2nd, Robert Ames. Issue:

255 Cheney, b. Apr. 19, 1810; m. Jane Cole; d.

Sept. 12, 1865.

70 BEST GENEALOGY

256 Malinda, b. Jan. 18, 1812; m. John Hogle,

257 Matilda, b. Mch. 3, 1815; d. July 26, 1844.

Single.

258 Alida, b. Jan. 9, 1818; m. Stephen Varley; d.

May 23, 1890.

259 Norman C, b. May 12, 1820; m. Catherine Moore.

LXXVII

77 PETER I., son of (49) Johannes Best; m. at Clav-
erack, Maria Becker, b. 1783; d. Nov. 17, 1864. Issue:

260 Mary, b. Nov. 12, 1801; m. John Dakin; d.

Feb. 27, 1838.

261 Christina, b. Dec. 9, 1802; bp. Jan. 16, 1803;

d. Aug. 7, i860. Single.

262 John Mesick, b. Sept. 25; bp. Nov. 23, 1806;

m. Alida Vosburgh; d. Jan. 21, 1857.

263 Ephraim Peter, b. Feb. 4; bp. Mch. 13, 1810;

m. Sophia Vosburgh; d. Feb. 9, 1884.

LXXVIII

78 HENRY J., son of (49) Johannes Best; m. at
Claverack, Sept. 4, 1803, Maria (Polly) Finger, b. Mch.
I, 1782; d. Mch. 19, 1837, and had the following:

264 Margaret, b. May 12, 1807; d. Sept. 8, 1827.

Single.

265 Harmon, b. Dec. 22, 1808; d. Aug. 10, 1874; m.

Sarah E. Groat.

266 John, b. Nov. i, 1810; d. July 3, 1896; m. Ann

Maria Cooper.

267 Sarah M., b. Feb. 25, 1812; m. John C. Karner;

d. Oct. 3, 1884.

268 Eleanor C, b. Dec. 15, 1815; m. Philip J.

Lown; d. July 18, 1884.

BEST GENEALOGY 71

269 Jacob H., b. Nov. 12, 1822. Living (1900).

M., ist, Elizabeth Kimball; m., 2nd, Catherine
Snyder; m., 3rd, Frances Amanda Reid.

Henry J. Best resided at Best, in Rensselaer County,
which place was named after him.

LXXX

80 EPHRAIM, son of (49) Johannes Best; m. at
Claverack, Feb. $, 1809, (153) Mary Best, daughter of (67)
Johannes J. Best and Christina Ham, and had:

270 Margaret Christina, b. Jan. 25, i8ii; m.

Edward I. Eno; d. Oct., 1885.

271 Eli, b. Dec. 17, 181 2; m. Catherine Harder;

d. Nov. 19, 1869.

272 James, b. Mch. i, 181 5; m. Mary A. Chubb; d.

Jan., 1870.

273 Jared, b. Sept. 13, 1817; m. Malinda H. Paul;

d. 190?.

274 Richard, b. Oct. 23, 1819; m. Eliza Wright;

d.

275 John Eli, b. Feb. 19, 1822; m. Maria H. Cook;

d.

276 Sarah Ann, b. June 5, 1824; d. Mch. 18, 1895.

Single.

277 Ephraim, b. Nov. 17, 1826; d. Sept. 1851.

Single.

278 Mary, b. May 14, 1829. Single.

279 Ambrose Spencer, b. July 27, 1833; ^- Amelia

A. Reed.

Ephraim Best resided in the vicinity of Johnstown.
From the Minutes of the Consistory of the Linlithgo Church
we learn that he was elected Deacon of this church, Aug.,
1810, and Elder, May, 1812. At a Consistory meeting of

72 BEST GENEALOGY

this church, Sept. ii, 1811, at which were present Nicholas
Van Deusen, Elder, and (80) Ephraim Best and (84) J ere-
miah Best, Deacons, it was resolved to dedicate the new
church "on the first Sabbath in November." He also
held other offices in the church.

LXXXI

81 DAVID, son of (49) Johannes Best; m., at Church-
town, Margaret Lape, b. Dec. 8, 1792; d. Aug. 14, 1856.
Both buried at Kinderhook. Issue:

280 Catherine Eliza, b. May 20; bp. June 16, 1811 ;

m. John B. Reynolds; d. Oct. 28, 1866.

281 John Jacob, b. Sept. 26, 1814; d. Dec. 20, 1814.

282 Jacob L., b. July 25; bp. Sept. 17, 1815; m.

Emma Angell; d. June 6, 1901.

283 Margaret M., b. Nov. 7, 1817; bp. Feb. 15,

1 81 8; m. Henry A. Hoysradt; d. Aug. 11, 1853.

284 Jarius, b. Jan. 4; bp. Feb. 11, 1821; d. Dec. 13,

1863.

285 David, b. Nov. 9, 1823; bp. Jan. 8, 1824; m.

Ellen Fitzgerald.

286 Lydia Maria, b. Nov. 18, 1826; m. 1870,

Ward Schermerhorn ; d. Jan. 2, 1874. He
d. Feb. 13, 1874. No issue.

{287 Edmond, b. May 15, 1830; d. Oct. 20, 1855.
Single.
288 Ellen, b. May 15, 1830; d. Nov. 18, 1839.
289 William Cushing, b. Oct. lo, 1833; m. Caroline
Niver.

LXXXII

82 ABRAHAM, son of (49) Johannes Best; m. Apr.
10, 1814, at Claverack, by Rev. Richard Sluyter, Harriet
Van Deusen, " Arianje V. D., 10 den April 1814 Zyn

BEST GENEALOGY 73

Getrouwt, " b. June 17, 1791; d. Nov. 24, 1859. Both
bur. at Claverack. Issue:

290 Christina, b. Oct. 11; bp. Nov. 20, 1814; m.

Richard T. Esmond.

291 Margaret, b. Mch. 25, 1 81 7 ; m. William Bigelow;

d. Oct. 16, 1897.

292 Cornelia Caroline, b. Mch. 27, 1819; m.

Lewis De Groff.

293 John Jeremiah, b. July 20, 1821; m. (805)

Martha M. Dakin; d. Nov. i, 1896.

294 Abraham, b. Sept. 15, 1823; m. Sarah Staats.

295 Henry Mesick, b. Nov. 3, 1825; m. Sylvia

Brockway.

296 Robert, b. May 26, 1828; m. Oct. 29, 1856,

Alida Vischer; d. Oct. 11, 1894. No issue.
Widow resides Vischer Ferry, N. Y.

297 Sarah Catherine, b. July 10, 1832; m. John

Fellows.

LXXXIII

83 SARAH, daughter of (49) Johannes Best; m. Dec.
8, 1816, at Claverack, by Rev. Gebbard, William Murray,
b. Feb. 28, 1783; d. Feb. 28, i860. Both buried at Hills-
dale. Issue:

298 John B., b. May 5, 1817; d. Aug. 2, 1827.

299 Martha, b. Nov. 18, 1818; d. Dec. 29, 1818.

300 William, b, Feb. 13, 1820; d. Nov. 23, 1824.

301 Henry W., b. Nov. 29, 182 1; m. Julia Weed; d.

Sept. 20, 1873.

302 Margaret M., b. Nov. 23, 1823; m. George

Haywood.

303 Martha M., b. Nov. 28, 1825; m. Isaac B.

Rogers; d. Jan. 4, 1866.

304 Jacob B., b. Dec. 17, 1827; m. Martha Wheeler;

d. Aug. 24, 1880.

74 BEST GENEALOGY

305 Sarah E., b. Oct. 25, 1829. Single.

306 William, b. Sept. 22, 1831; m. Julia Dorr.

307 Mary, b. Apr. 28, 1835. Single.

William Murray was a prosperous merchant in the
village of Copake, and one of its earliest settlers. In 1824,
he was the first Supervisor of the town of Copake, when
it was set off as a separate town; Supervisor, again, 1829-36;
and Town Clerk of Taghkanick, 1821.

LXXXIV

84 JEREMIAH J., son of (49) Johannes Best; m.
1 819, Phebe Kipp, daughter of Peter and Sarah
Kipp, b. Jan. i, 1800; d. Mch. 25, 1879. Both buried at
Mechanicville, N. Y. Issue:

308 Peter Kipp, b. Aug. 28, 1821; bp. Feb. 3, 1822;

m. Jane Esselstyn; d. Feb. 17, 1878.

309 Sarah Ann, b. Aug. 16; bp. Oct. 18, 1823; m.

David P. Daniels; d. Nov. 4, 1896.

310 Tristum Coffin, b. Oct. 18; bp. Dec. 13, 1824;

d. July 21, 1825.

311 Delia Eliza, b. Apr. i; bp. June 20, 1826; m.

Levi Dakin.

312 Tristram Coffin, b. Dec. 27, 1829; bp. Feb.

22, 1830; m., ist, Harriet Lamb; m., 2nd,
Elizabeth Lamb; d. Apr. 20, 1890.

313 Mary Jane, b. Feb. 28; bp. June 12, 1834; m.

John M. Whitman.

314 Amanda Eveline, b. Dec. 20, 1835; d. Mch. 6,

1836.

CL

150 MARGARITTA, daughter of (67) Johannes J.
Best; m. at Claverack, by Rev. Gebbard, June 13, 1802,

BEST GENEALOGY 75

Peter I. Rossman, b. Mch. i, 1781. Both buried at Church-
town. Issue:

315 Elizabeth, b. May 17, 1805; m. (243) Thomas

Best; d. July 19, 1845.

316 Sally Ann, b. 1806; d. Jan. 14, 1845,

Single.

317 John P., b. ; m. Sally Post; d.

318 Christina Maria, b. ; m. Charles W.

Hallis; d. 1852.

319 Julia, b. Aug. 8; bp. Sept. 15, 1811, at Church-

town; m. John Rossman; d. June 4, 1854.

320 Jane Belinda, b. Sept. 8; bp. at Churchtown,

Oct. I, 181 5; d. Single.

321 Nelson, b. July 12; bp., at Churchtown, Aug.

9, 1818; m. Sarah Ann Hakes; d. Feb. 2, 1854.

CLI

151 JOHANNES, son of (67) Johannes J. Best; m.
Jan. 24, 1821, Elizabeth (Betsey) Sudam, b. Apr. 17, 1805;
d. Mch. 9, 1878, and had:

322 Anna Christina, b. Dec. 25, 1821; m. Robert

Humphrey; d. June 27, 1843.

323 Jane Frances, b. Dec. 6, 1824; m. William

J. Miller.

324 Charles Sudam, b. Aug. 17, 1828; m. (370)

Louisa Rossman, daughter of (317) John P.
Rossman and Sally Post; m., 2nd, Mary Link.

325 Sarah Elizabeth, b. Aug. 15, 1831; m. Feb.

26, 1849, Edward Miller; d. June 6, 1849.

326 John Byron, b. Mch. 18, 1836. Single.

327 Mary Catherine, b. Sept. 19, 1839; m. Jan.

17, 1861, J. J. Kipp. No issue; d. Dec.
17, 1890.

76 BEST GENEALOGY

Johannes Best, or John J. Best, as he was more famil-
iarly known, was a resident of the town of Taghkanick, and
lived on the farm occupied by his father at the time of his
death. He was an attendant of the Johnstown Dutch
Church, and a pewholder, May ii, 1834. On Mch. 30,
1838, Elder John J. Best was appointed a "delegate to
Classis, at ordinary session, to be held at Mt. Pleasant on
last Tuesday of Apr. Next." As Elder he was also appointed
delegate to attend the semi-annual meeting of the Classis
of Poughkeepsie, "on the last Teusday of the month"
(Oct. 21, 1839).

CLII

152 JEREMIAH, son of (67) Johannes J. Best; m. at
Claverack, July 3, 1808, Margaret Miller, of Claverack, b.
June I, 1789; d. Dec. 14, 1873, in her 85th year. Issue:

328 John Abraham, b. Nov. i; bp. Dec. 16, 1809; d.

July 4, 1854.

329 Elizabeth, b. April 18, 181 1 ; m. John H. Smith;

d. Jan., 1896.

330 Christiana, b. Mch. 3, 1813; d. May 21, 1894;

m. Samuel Bachman.

331 Stephen E., b. July 23, 1815; d. Sept. 26, 1898.

Single.

332 Frederick M., b. Sept. 29, 1817; m. Margaret

Dunspaugh; d. Dec. 12, 1892.

333 Gertrude, b. Oct. 27, 1819; m. Baltus B. Van

Slyke.

334 Martin, b. Apr. 28, 1821; m. Louisa Traver;

d. Nov. 8, 1877.

335 Lucy, b. July 16, 1823; m. (584) Wilson Ham;

d. June 15, 1872.

336 Andrew K., b. Jan. 5, 1826; m. Emily Harrison;

d. Sept., 1857.

337 Margaret Jane, b. Dec. 29, 1828; m. Stephen

H. Shutts; d. Oct. 13, 1883.

BEST GENEALOGY 77

Jeremiah Best took part in the War of 1812; was com-
missioned Ensign, in the 15th Regt., April, 1814. Of
the military organizations existing in Columbia County
prior to the War of 181 2, we obtain some idea from an old
brigade order, signed by Joseph Lord, as Brigade-Major,
and issued by command of Brig. -Gen. Samuel Ten Broeck,
under date of Aug. 10, 1806, directing that a review and
inspection of his brigade be held near the tavern of Jacob
Moul, in Claverack, on the 2nd of September, in that year.
The 15th Regiment, in which (152) Jeremiah Best was,
afterwards, an Ensign, was one of the commands men-
tioned in the order. The said brigade was still under the
command of Gen. Ten Broeck at the opening of the war.
Jeremiah Best was a resident of the town of Taghkanick,
and a communicant of the Dutch Church at Johnstown. He
was elected Deacon, Apr. 18, 1813; a delegate to the Classis
at Hopeville, Sept. 26, 1835, as an Elder; chosen Treasurer
of the church, in place of John Van Deusen, resigned,
Apr. 8, 1837; Elder, again, 1837; delegate to Classis, at
Poughkeepsie, April 8, 1837; Secundus to Claverack, Oct.
12, 1846; delegate to Mellenville, in the same year. From
the Minutes, we have the following: "Resolved that [152]
Jeremiah Best and William Gardner be requested to act
as a committee to collect funds to defray the expenses of
the repairs of the church at Johnstown"; dated, May 4,
1 83 1. On Sept. 3, 1830, Elder Robert I. Van Deusen was
"appointed member of committee on Discipline," in place
of (152) Jeremiah Best, whose term had expired. On
Feb. II, 1832, (152) Jeremiah Best and others "were
appointed a Committee to sell a lot of land belonging to
the church and to purchase another lot and to build a
parsonage." Under date of Dec. 10, 1831, we find: "Re-
solved that the Consistory make application to the Legis-
lature of the State of New York, at the approaching
session, for permission to sell the lot belonging to the Re-
formed Dutch Church of Linkthgow [sic] for the purpose

78 BEST GENEALOGY

of purchasing a parsonage and in case the petition is
granted that the consistory proceed to sell the same."
(152) Jeremiah Best and another were appointed a com-
mittee to draw up the request. On Aug. 20, 1836, we find
him, again, on a " committee to carry into effect the re-
pairing and making presentable the church. " Three of
his sons served in the Civil War. (331) Stephen E. enlisted
at Hudson, Oct. 4, 1862, Co. I, 159th Regt. (334) Martin
enlisted at Taghkanick, Co. G, same Regt. (33 2) Frederick
M. enlisted at Taghkanick, at the same time, in same Co.
and Regt. as his brother Martin.

CLIV

154 LENA, daughter of (67) Johannes J. Best; m. at
Claverack, by Rev. Gebbard, Aug. 11, 1820, Michael
Horton, son of Jacob and Grisella (Shutts) Horton, b.
1794, in Claverack; d. 1873, in Clyde, N. Y. Issue:

338 Jacob, b. Dec. 25, 1820; m. Desiah D. Duns-

paugh; d. Oct.

10, 1900.

339

Christina, b.

1822; m. 1840, Thatcher

De Golyer; d.

1845. No issue.

340

Wilson, b.

1829; m. Cornelia A. Chace.

341

Mary Jane, b.

1834. Single.

342

John B., b.

; m. Ellen R. Smith.

Michael Horton resided at Clyde, N. Y., where he and
his wife are buried.

CLV

155 ROBERT, son of (67) Johannes J. Best; m. at
Claverack, Oct. 4, 181 7, Anna Maria Hallenbeck, b. July
24, 1800; d. 1863. Resided at Livingston. Issue:

343 Harmon, b. Dec. 22, 1818; m. Margaret Hicks.

344 Milton, b. Apr. 3, 1820; m. Ann Melius.

BEST GENEALOGY 79

345 Mary Cornelia b. Oct. 27, 1821; m. Robert

Rockefeller.

346 Robert, b. Mch. 23, 1823.

347 Walter, b. Mch. 25, 1826; m. Jane Elizabeth

Sharp.

348 Elizabeth Christina, b. Sept. 15, 1828; m.

Edward A. Weaver.

349 Henry Edgar, b. Apr. 26, 1831; m. Catherine

Maria Smith.

350 Anna Maria, b. Feb. 3, 1833; ^- ( ) Henry-

Best, son of ( ) Walter Best and Rhoda
Smith.

351 Margaret Miller, b. Mch. 5, 1836; m. Rens-

selaer Rote.

352 John Emmet, b. Mch. 27, 1838; m. Catherine A.

Holsapple.

353 Helen, b. Feb. 19, 1841 ; m. Robert Munkuttrick.

354 Charles Monroe, b. Nov. 22, 1842; m. Charlotte

Ann Kells.

CLVI

156 CATHERINE, daughter of (67) Johannes J. Best;
m. John W. Clapper. Resided Clyde, Wayne Co.,

N. Y. Issue:

355 George P., b. ; m. . Resides Wol-

cott, N. Y.

356 John William, b. Mch. 13; bp. Apr. 30, 1815.

Spons., John J. Best, Christina Ham.

357 Lovina, b. June 16; bp. July 6, 1817. Spons.,

Robert Best, Lena Best.

358 Christina Maria, b. Aug. 12; bp. Oct. 3, 1819.

Spons., Maria Clapper.

359 Elizabeth Ann, b. Aug. 12; bp. Sept. i6, 1821.

Spons., Parents.

80 BEST GENEALOGY

360 Peter Jacob, b. Feb. 11; bp. Mch. 28, 1824.

Spons., Parents.

361 Margaret, b. June 24; bp. Aug. 13, 1826. Spons.,

Parents.

John W. Clapper resided at Clyde, where, and at Wolcott,
most of his descendants may be found.

cccxv

315 ELIZABETH, daughter of (150) Margaritta Ross-
man; m. (243) Thomas Best, son of (75) John J. Best, and
Margaret (Mary) Lape, by Rev. E. Holmes, at Church-
town, May 21, 1829. Issue:

362 Cordelia, b. May 2, 1831; d. Aug. 27, 1849.

Single. Buried, Churchtown.

363 John Franklin, b. Mch. 12; bp. Nov. 17, 1833;

m. Jan. 19, i860, Mary Jane Decker. No
issue. Resides Churchtown. Enlisted Aug.
15, 1862, at Hudson, in 128th Regt., Co. G.

364 Mary Christina, b. May 28, 1837; m.

186?, Cornelius Bathrick; d. Nov. 15, 1871.
Buried Churchtown.

365 Edgar Allen, b. Apr. 25, 1840. Single. Re-

sides Churchtown.

366 Milton Peters, b. Nov. 19, 1842; m.

Catherine Teats. No issue. Resides Ger-
mantown. Enlisted at Hudson, Nov. 4,
1862, in 12th Cal., Co. C.
Thomas Best served as Supervisor 1845, 1848-49; High-
vay Commissioner.

CCCLXIV

364 MARY CHRISTINA, daughter of (315) Elizabeth
Best; m. 186 , Cornelius Bathrick, b. Jan. 9, 1841.

Issue :

367 Byron, d. y.

BEST GENEALOGY 81

CCCXVII

317 JOHN P., son of (150) Margaritta Rossman; m.
by Rev. Richard Sluyter, Aug. lo, 1823, Sally Post, at
Claverack. Issue :

368 Gertrude, b.

369 Charles, b. ; m. Becker.

370 Louisa, b. ; m. (324) Charles Sudam

Best, son of (151) Johannes Best and Eliza-
beth Sudam; d. 185 .

371 Elizabeth, b. ; m. Walter Decker.

John P. Rossman served in the Civil War. Enlisted
at Ancram, Sept. 8, 1863.

CCCXVIII

318 CHRISTINA MARIA, daughter of (150) Mar-
garitta Rossman; m. Charles W. Hallis. Issue:

372 Rossman, b. 1840. Single.

373 Jane, b. Feb. 16, 1842. Single.

374 Margaret Ann, b. Jan. 19, 1844; m. Norman

Lewis Niver.

CCCLXXIV

374 MARGARET ANN, daughter of (318) Christina
Maria Hallis; m. June i, 1864, Norman Lewis Niver, b.
Mch. 14, 1844. Issue:

375 Florence Claudine, b. Oct. 27, 1867; d. Sept.

9. 1875-

376 Berenice Hallis, b. June 6, 1873.

Norman L. Niver resides at No. 779 Lexington Ave.,
N. Y. City.

82 BEST GENEALOGY

CCCXIX

319 JULIA, daughter of (150) Margaritta Rossman;
m. at Churchtown, 1840, John Rossman. He d. Mch. 29,
1 90 1. Issue:

377 Elliot, b. d. y.

378 Sarah, b. Dec. 24, 1845. Resides N. Y. City.

Single.

379 Elithea, b. Dec. 13, 1847; m. Sydney Blakeman.

CCCLXXIX

379 ELITHEA, daughter of (319) Julia Rossman; m.
Nov. 7, 1866, Sydney Blakeman, and had:

380 May, b. Sept. 21, 1867; m. Elmer H. Havens.

381 Eugene, b. June 11, 1869. Single.

382 Jessamine, b. Dec. 3, 1878.

Sydney Blakeman resides at No. 466 Western Ave.,
Albany, N. Y.

CCCLXXX

380 MAY, daughter of (379) Elithea Blakeman; m.
Sept. 29, 1886, Elmer H. Havens, and had:

383 Carry A., b. June 23, 1888.

384 Elmer, b. Jan. 31, 1889.

385 Sydney, b. Feb. 17, 1891.

Elmer H. Havens resides Albany, N. Y.
CCCXXI

321 NELSON, son of (150) Margaritta Rossman; m.
at Johnstown, Sept., 1836, Sarah Ann Hakes, b. July 11,
1820, and had:

BEST GENEALOGY 83

386 Virginia Ann, b. d. y.

387 Cornelia Jane, b. d. y.

388 Peter I., b. d. y.

389 Eve Anna, b. Mch. 31, 1852; m. Frank C.

Lock wood.

390 Mary Emma, b. Jan. 1853; ^- 1855.

CCCLXXXIX

389 EVE ANNA, daughter of (321) Nelson Rossman;
m. June 19, 1878, Frank C. Lockwood, b. Apr. 4, 1851,
and had:

391 Frank Carlton, b. Mch. 13, 1882.

392 Sarah Elizabeth, b. Nov. 26, 1883.

CCCLXIX

369 CHARLES, son of (317) John P. Rossman; m.
Becker, and had:

393 Charles, b.

394 John, b.

395 Margaret, b.

CCCLXX

370 LOUISA, daughter of (317) John P. Rossman;
m. (324) Charles Sudam Best, son of (151) Johannes Best
and Elizabeth Sudam, Dec. 28, 1848, and had.:

396 John L, b. May i8, 1850; m. Elnora Cardin.

397 Peter Franklin, b. May 16, 1854. Single.

CCCXCVI

396 JOHN L, son of (370) Louisa Best; m. Oct. 17,
1877, Elnora Cardin, and had:

398 Charles, b. Sept. 15, 1883.

399 William, b. Oct. 30, 1886.

400 Arthur, b. Aug. 9, 1893; ^- Apr. 9, 1895.

84 BEST GENEALOGY

CCCLXXI

371 ELIZABETH, daughter of (317) John P. Rossman;
m. Walter Decker, and had:

401 Allan, b. ; m. Rowe. Resides Red

Hook, N. Y.

402 Elmer, b. ; m. Harder.

403 LoRA, b. ; m. William Stickles.

Walter Decker resided Livingston, N. Y.
CCCCII

402 ELMER, son of (371) Elizabeth Decker; m.
Harder, and had:

404

405
Elmer Decker resides Mellenville, N. Y.

CCCCIII

403 LORA, daughter of (371) Elizabeth Decker; m.
William Stickles, and had:

406 Grace, b.

William Stickles resides Glenco, N. Y.
CCCXXIII

323 JANE FRANCES, daughter of (151) Johannes
Best; m. Sept. 17, 1844, William J. Miller, son of Andries
S. Miller, b. July 7, 1816; d. Apr. 11, 1900, and had:

407 Katherine M., b. Oct. i, 1847; m. Jan. 19,

1887, Isaac N. Collier, son of Philip and
Christina Collier, b. Oct. 19, 1834. Resides
Hudson, N. Y.

408 Sarah, b. Nov. 30, 1849.

BEST GENEALOGY 85

William J. Miller was a prominent manufacturer, and,
for many years, a member of the firm of Hunt and Miller,
Stove Works, Hudson, N. Y.

CCCXXII

322 ANNA CHRISTINA, daughter of (151) Johannes
Best; m. Dec. 20, 1838, Robert Humphrey, and had:

409 John, b. Oct. 27, 1842; d. y.

CCCXXIV

324 CHARLES SUDAM, son of (151) Johannes Best;
m , ist, (370) Louisa Rossman, daughter of (317) John
P. Rossman (see under family No. 370); m., 2nd, June,
1859, Mary Link, and had:

410 William J., b. Nov. 10, i860; d. Oct. 5, 1868.

411 Byron, b. Dec. 19, 1862; d. Jan. 20, 1863.

Charles S. Best resides at No. 173 Remsen St., Cohoes,
N. Y.

CCCXXIX

329 ELIZABETH, daughter of (152) Jeremiah Best;
m. July 3, 1829, John H. Smith, and had:

412 Leonard, b. 1835; m. Ann Knickerbocker;

d. Jan. 10, 1901.

413 Robert I., b. Aug. 4, 1836; m. Sarah L. Kells;

d. July 12, 1886.

414 Henry, b. Jan. 16, 1837; m. Christina Jennings;

d. July 27, 1899.

415 Martin, b. 1839. Single.

416 Mary, b. 1841; m. George Palmer.

417 Margaret, b. 1843; m. Cornelius Ham.

418 Emma, b. 1845; °i. Jasper Smith.

86 BEST GENEALOGY

419 Christina, b. 1847. Single.

420 Edward, b. July 11, 1849; m. Ella Rowe.

421 Stephen, b. Mch. 22, 1851 ; m. Jan. 9, 1878, Ann

Maria Marshall, b. July 26, 1856. No issue.
Resides No. 385 Madison Ave., Albany, N. Y.

John H. Smith resided at West Taghkanic. Enlisted,
at Greenport, Aug. 10, 1862, 128th Regt., Co. K. Died,
May, 1863, at Salisbury Prison, of starvation. His son,
(415) Martin, enlisted, at Claverack, Aug. 13, 1862, 128th
Regt., Co. G; and was promoted to Sergeant for meritorious
services.

CCCCXII

412 HENRY, son of (329) Elizabeth Smith; m. Feb.
1 86 1, Christina Jennings, b. Aug. 7, 1841, and had:

422 Emma, b. Jan. 6, 1863; m. Jan. 3, 1880,

Moore.

423 Curtis, b. Nov. 3, 1867; m. Emma Becker.

424 Mary, b. Jan. 23, 1875. Single.

Henry Smith enlisted at Ancram, in the 6th Cavalry,
1862.

CCCCXXII

422 CURTIS, son of (412) Henry Smith; m. May 5,
1897, Emma Becker, b. Aug. 17, 1873, and had:

425 Laura, b. Sept. 27, 1898.

Curtis Smith resides North Germantown, N. Y.
CCCCXIII

413 LEONARD, son of (329) Elizabeth Smith; m.
Ann Knickerbocker, and had:

426 Frank, b. Apr. 24, 1869. Single.

BEST GENEALOGY 87

Leonard Smith enlisted, Sept. 28, 1862, 159th Regt.,
Co. C. Resided at Hudson, N. Y.

CCCCXIV

414 ROBERT I., son of (329) Elizabeth Smith; m.
Oct. 19, 1865, Sarah L. Kells, b. Feb. 25, 1832. Issue:

427 Maud, b. Aug. 16, 1867; m. J. Willard Sluyter,

Apr. 12, 1893.

428 Arthur Eugene, b. June, 1870; d. July 29, 1871.

429 Lena, b. May 19, 1872; m. William Redick.

CCCCXXIX

429 LENA, daughter of (414) Robert L Smith; m.
Mch. 26, 1896, William Redick, and had:

430 Lawrence, b. Mch. 20, 1897.

431 Robert Stanton, b. June, 1899.

CCCCXVI

416 MARY, daughter of (329) Elizabeth Smith; m.
George Palmer. Issue.:

432 George, b.

George Palmer was Town Clerk of Hillsdale, 1855. Re-
sided West Taghkanic, N. Y.

CCCCXVI I

417 MARGARET, daughter of (329) Elizabeth Smith;
m. Cornelius Ham, son of Peter T. Ham and Mary
(Wentworth) Ham. Issue:

433 Emma, b. ; single.

434 Elizabeth, b. ; m. Oct. ii, 1900, Alva

Decker.

88 BEST GENEALOGY

CCCCXVIII

418 EMMA, daughter of (329) Elizabeth Smith; m.
Jasper Smith. Issue:

435 Agnes, b.

Jasper Smith resides West Taghkanic, N. Y.

ccccxx

420 EDWARD, son of (329) Elizabeth Smith; m.
Sept. 29, 1875, Ella Rowe. Issue:

436 Frederick M., b. Oct. 21, 1886.

437 William Martin, b. Apr. 21, 1891.

438 John Rowe, b. Feb. 12, 1893.

Edward Smith resides Gallatinville, N. Y.

cccxxx

330 CHRISTIANA, daughter of (152) Jeremiah Best;
m. Jan. 31, 1833, Samuel Bachman, b. Oct. 25, 181 1; d-
Feb. 4, 1876. Issue:

439 Stephen, b. Feb. 14, 1834; m. Cornelia Bortle;

d. May 7, 1863.

440 Sarah Jane, b. Mch. 30, 1836; m. John V. D.

Benton.

441 Mary, b. Oct. 31, 1840; d. Jan. 22, 1894. Single.

CCCCXXXIX

439 STEPHEN, son of (330) Christiana Bachman; m.
Feb. 16, 1857, Cornelia Bortle, b. Sept. 30, 1840, and had;

442 Cora, b. Feb. 16, i860; d. Apr. 24, 1863.

443 Jenny, b. Nov. 8, 1858. Single.

BEST GENEALOGY 89

ccccxxxx

440 SARAH JANE, daughter of (330) Christiana
Bachman; m. Apr. 19, 1859, John V. D. Benton, b. Sept.
I, 1834; d. Aug. 7, 1888. Issue:

444 Samuel Bachman, b. Mch. 24, i860; m. Anna

Hogue.

CCCCXLIV

444 SAMUEL BACHMAN, son of (440) Sarah Jane
Benton; m. Mch. 10, 1885, Anna Hogue, b. Feb. 23, i860,
and had:

445 Cora A., b. Jan. 23, 1886.
Samuel B. Benton resides Hudson, N. Y.

CCCXXXII

332 FREDERICK M., son of (152) Jeremiah Best;
m. Dec. 3, 1838, Margaret Dunspaugh, b. Mch. 28, 1818,
and had:

446 Carry D. b. Mch. 24, 1841; m. Charles C.

Lester; d. May 2, 1867.

447 Alice G., b. Mch. 22, 1848; m. Oct. 7, 1869,

Alonzo C. Waltermire, of N. Y. City, b.
Nov. 7, 1845. Resides No. 2 East Court
St., Hudson, N. Y.

Frederick M. Best was Past Master of Hudson Lodge,
No. 7, F. and A. M. Enlisted from Taghkanick, Sept. 19,
1862, 159th Regt., Co. G. He was Postmaster at Johns-
town for some time.

CCCCXLVI

446 CARRY D., daughter of (332) Frederick M.
Best; m. Nov. 26, 1862, Charles C. Lester, b. 1838,

by Rev. D. D. Demorset, and had:

90 BEST GENEALOGY

448 Fred B., b. Nov. 26, 1863.

449 Frank H., b. Mch. 30, 1867.

CCCXXXIII

333 GERTRUDE, daughter of (152) Jeremiah Best;
m. Jan. 5, 1843, Baltus P. Van Slyke, b. Aug. 20, 1815,
d. Mch. 29, 1899, and had:

450 Edgar J., b. Aug. 15, 1845; m. Anna M. Scher-

merhorn.

451 Charles B., b. Jan. 14; bp. Jan. 21, 1856; m.

Alice Colgrove.

Baltus P. Van Slyke and wife are buried at Stuyvesant
Landing. He was Postmaster there at one time. Cor-
oner 1868-70.

CCCCL

450 EDGAR J., son of (333) Gertrude Van Slyke; m.
Dec. 24, 1873, Anna M. Schermerhorn, b. Oct. 5, 1851, and
had:

452 Frederick E., b. Jan. 29, 1877.

453 Charles C, b. Oct. 5, 1879.

454 Ralph S., b. Aug. 29, 1898.

Edgar J. Van Slyke resides No. 12 Leonard Place,
Albany, N. Y.

CCCCLI

451 CHARLES B., son of (333) Gertrude Van Slyke;
m. Dec. 3, 1870, Alice Colgrove, b. June 11, 1858, and had:

455 Arthur, b. Jan. 18, 1874.

Charles B. Van Slyke resides Coxsackie, N. Y.

BEST GENEALOGY 91

CCCXXXIV

334 MARTIN, son of (152) Jeremiah Best; m. Jan. 4,
1844, Louisa Traver, b. July 30, 1827; d. Mch. 9, 1895.
Issue :

456 Frances C, b. Apr. 18, 1848; m. William H.

Coons.

457 Elizabeth, b. July i, 1850; m. Norman Duntz.

458 Andrew, b. Aug. 28, 1857; m. ist Carry Barton;

m. 2nd., Carry Sitzer.

459 Althea, b. Feb. 12, i860; m. ist, Wilson Hobby;

m. 2nd, Stephen M. Kipp.

460 Imogene, b. Apr. 5, 1869; m. Nov. 10, 1897,

Gilbert Caire, b. Jan. 7, 1862. Resides No.
12 Bellevue Ave., Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

461 Carry, b. Dec. 23, 1872; m. William Caldwell.

Martin Best resided in the town of Taghkanick ; Collector
of Taxes, 1861; enlisted, at Taghkanick, Sept. 19, 1862,
159th Regt., Co. G; elected Justice of the Peace, 1874.

CCCCLVI

456 FRANCES C, daughter of (334) Martin Best;
m. Apr. 15, 1868, William H. Coons, b. Aug. 7, 1842.
Issue :

462 Emmet, b. June 16, 1869; m. Alice B. Lasher.

463 Grace, b. Oct. i, 1871; m. Victor Cole.

464 Minnie, b. Feb. 7, 1874; m. Hudson T. Crapser.

465 Elma, b. Sept. 10, 1878; m. Charles Carle, Nov.

6, 1900. Resides West Taghkanick.

466 Lillie, b. May 19, 1876; m. Addison Duntz.

467 Royal, b. Sept. 27, 1880.

468 Edna, b. Oct. 24, 1883.

469 Lizzie, b. July 12, 1888.

92 BEST GENEALOGY

CCCCLXII

462 EMMET, son of (456) Frances C. Coons; m. July
12, 1893, Alice B. Lasher, b. Apr. 24, 1871, and had:

470 Blanche, b. Oct. 20, 1894.

471 Richard M., b. Oct. 26, 1896.

472 Mildred L., b. Oct. 19, 1899.

Emmet Coons resides Pine Plains, N. Y.
CCCCLXIII

463 GRACE, daughter of (456) Frances C. Coons; m.
Apr. 12, 1899, Victor Cole. Issue;

473 Myrtle, b. Apr. 10, 1896.

474 Gertrude, b. Nov., 1899.

CCCCLXIV

464 MINNIE, daughter of (456) Frances C. Coons; m.
Feb. 22, 1894, Hudson T. Crapser, and had:

475 IvA May, b. Sept. 8, 1894.

476 Gladys Ethel, b. Feb. 8, 1900.

Hudson T. Crapser resides Elmhurst, L. I., N. Y.
CCCCLXVI

466 LILLIE, daughter of (456) Frances C. Coons; m.
Oct. 4, 1899, Addison Duntz. Issue:

477 Ethel May, b. Oct. 10, 1900.
Addison Duntz resides Hudson, N. Y.

CCCCLVII

457 ELIZABETH, daughter of (334) Martin Best; m.
Feb. 6, 1868, Norman Duntz, b. May i, 1845; d. Oct. 20,
1886. Issue:

BEST GENEALOGY 93

478 Lewis, b. Sept. 14, 1868.

479 Melvin, b. Sept. 4, 1872.

480 Cora, b. July 18, 1878.

481 Fred, b. June 4, 1880.

482 Mary E., b. June 19, 1882.

Norman Duntz resided at No. 253 Hanover St., Bridg-
port, Conn.

CDLVIII

458 ANDREW, son of (334) Martin Best; m. ist,
July 9, 1879, Carry Barton. She d. Sept. 14, 1895. Issue:

483 Frederick, b. Apr. 23, 1880; m. 2nd, Nov.

3, 1896, Carry Sitzer.

Andrew Best resides Pokeepsie, N. Y.
CDLIX

459 ALTHEA, daughter of (334) Martin Best; m. ist,
Jan. I, 1879, Wilson Hobby, b. 1859; d. Apr. 2,
1891, and had:

484 Lulu, b. Dec. 15, 1879; m. Apr. 30, 1899, Harry

Olmstead. Resides Pawling, N. Y.

485 Andrew, b. Jan. 11, 1882.

m. 2nd, Sept. 5, 1899, Stephen M. Kipp

Wilson Hobby resided at No. 134 Church St., Poughkeep-
sie, N. Y.

CDLXI

461 CARRY, daughter of (334) Martin Best; m. Oct.
7, 1891, William Coldwell, b. ; d. Mch. 9, 1898.

Issue :

486 Almeda, b. Dec. 26, 1894.

94 BEST GENEALOGY

William Coldwell resides No. 12 Bellevue Ave., Pough-
keepsie, N. Y.

CCCXXXV

335 LUCY, daughter of (152) Jeremiah Best; m.
Jan. 1841, (644) Wilson Ham, son of Jacob Tiel

Ham and (242) Eve Best, and had the following:

487 Margaret C, b. Apr. 13, 1843; d. May 12, 1855.

488 EvEANNA, b. July 25, 1845; m. Samuel G.

Rowles.

489 Lucy M., b. Nov. 23, 1847; ^i. Thomas J. Lape ;

d. June 15, 1870.

490 Herbert Wilson, b. Oct. 29, 1856.

Wilson Ham was Town Clerk of Stuyvesant, 1855;
Supervisor, 1857.

CDLXXXVIII

488 EVEANNA, daughter of (335) Lucy Ham; m.
Mch. 9, 1869, Samuel G. Rowles, b. Dec. 22, 1838, and had :

491 Carry, b. Dec. 12, 1870; m. Frank Manser.
Samuel G. Rowles resides Poughkeepsie, N. Y.

CDXCI

491 CARRY, daughter of (488) Eveanna Rowles; m.
Sept. 13, 1892, Frank Manser. Issue:

492 Natalie, b. Oct. 28, 1893.

493 Eveline, b. Jan. 25, 1894.

CDLXXXIX

489 LUCY M., daughter of (335) Lucy Ham; m. Apt.
1879, Thomas J. Lape, and had:

Harry, b. Apr. 15, 1880; d. Aug. 7, 1880.

BEST GENEALOGY 95

CCCXXXVI

336 ANDREW K., son of (152) Jeremiah Best; m.
Nov. 29, 1846, by Rev. J. Ham, Emily Harrison, b. May
14, 1837, at Litchfield, Conn. Issue:

495 Catherine, b. d. y.

496 Charles, b. d. y.

Andrew K. Best resides at No. 103 Cannon St., Po-
keepsie.

CCCXXXVII

337 MARGARET JANE, daughter of (152) Jeremiah
Best; m. Nov. 29, 1845, Stephen H. Shutts, b. Sept. 9,
1825. Issue:

497 Ophelia, b. Oct. 16, 1850; m. Albert Potts.

498 Charles, b. Oct. 28, 1852; d. Oct. 5, 1859.

499 Wilson, b. Feb. 2, 1856; d. Apr. 21, 1864.

500 Emmet, b. Feb. 23, 1857; d. Apr. 2, 1858.

501 Margaret Best, b. Mch. 21, 1864.

Stephen H. Shutts enlisted, at Hillsdale, Aug. 15, 1862,
128th Regt., Co. E.

CCCCLXXXXVII

497 OPHELIA, daughter of (337) Margaret Jane
Shutts; m. Oct. 16, 1872, Albert Potts, b. June 27, 1843,
and had:

502 Jenny Shutts, b. Dec. 20, 1877; m. Charles L.

Hitt.

503 Mary, b. May 5, 1880.

504 Stephen Horton, b. Sept. 21, 1882.

505 Margaret Best, b. Mch. 20, 1885.

506 Ernest, b. Aug. 23, 1889.

96 BEST GENEALOGY

DII

502 JENNY SHUTTS, daughter of (497) Ophelia
Potts; m. Mch. 17, 1897, Charles L. Hitt and had:

507 Gertrude A., b. Feb. i, 1898.

CCCXXXVIII

338 JACOB, son of (154) Lena Horton; m. Sept. 15,
1846, Desiah D. Dunspaugh, daughter of Henry and
Christina (Potts) Dunspaugh, of Livingston, b. July 7,
1825. Issue:

508 Charles Lester, b. Sept. 20, 1847.

509 Fred B., Mch. 17, i860.

510 Harry D., b. July 17, 1855; d. Oct. 23, 1875.

Jacob Horton, M.D., resided at Johnstown, where he
practised his profession for over forty years, with marked
success. He studied medicine with Dr. Robert Treat
Paine, an eminent specialist, of Clyde, N. Y.; and, after
his graduation, Nov. 25, 1845, from the Castleton (Vt.)
Medical College, located at Johnstown. He was Town
Clerk, 1859. His son (569) Fred B., was Town Clerk in
1 89 1, and had held other offices in the town.

CCCXXXIX

339 WILSON, son of (154) Lena Horton; m. Nov. 20,
i860, Cornelia A. Chase, b. Dec. 8, 1837, and had:

511 Jenny C, b. Nov. 5, 1866; m. Sheridan Daball.

512 Hellene Grace, b. Jan. 9, 1876.

513 George W., b. Mch. 14, 1872; d. Aug. 26, 1872.

514 Wilson M., b. Apr. i, 1878.

Wilson Horton resides Clyde, Wayne Co., N. Y.

BEST GENEALOGY 97

CCCXLII

342 JOHN B., son of (154) Lena Horton;m. 1865,
Ellen R. Smith, b. 1836, and had:

515 Smith G., b. 1874; m. 1898, Olive

B. Barton, b. 1877. Resides Clyde.

DXI

511 JENNY C, daughter of (339) Wilson Horton; m.
July 2, 1890, Sheridan Daball, b. 1864. Issue:

516 Wilson, b. Apr. 24, 1891.

517 Martha Grace, b. Nov. 11, 1900.

Sheridan Daball resides at Rochester, N. Y.
CCCXLIII

343 HARMON, son of (155) Robert Best; ra. Mar-
garet Hicks, and had:

518

Emily, b.

; m.

519

Augusta, b.

; m.

520

Ida, b.

; m.

521

LUELLA, b.

; m.

522

Arthur, b.

; m.
CCCXLIV

344 MILTON, son of (155) Robert Best; m. Ann

Melius, and had:

523 Hattie D., b. ; m. Sept. 4, 1871, George

P. Malone.

524 Frank, b.

Milton Best enlisted, at Hudson, Nov, 4, 1862, 12th
Cav., Co. C.

98 BEST GENEALOGY

CCCXLV

345 MARY CORNELIA, daughter of (155) Robert
Best; m. Robert Rockefeller, son of Obadiah and

Margaret (Bortell) Rockefeller, and had:

525 Helen A., b. ; m. Jan. 22, 1874, Reuben

Ham, son of Zechariah and Charity (Decker)
Ham, b. at Livingston, Apr. 29, 1844. Re-
sides Claverack. Supervisor, 1889-90. No
issue.

CCCXLVIII

348 ELIZABETH CHRISTINA, daughter of (155)
Robert Best; m. Edward A. "Weaver, of Millerton, and had:

526 Henrietta, b. ; m. Frank Silvernail.

Resides Red Hook.

CCCXLIX

349 HENRY EDGAR, son of (155) Robert Best; m.
Oct. 15, 1856, Catherine Maria Smith, b. Nov. 2, 1840,
and had:

527 Ada, b. July 12, 1857; m. Charles David Tiffany.

528 Carry, b. Sept. 6, 1859; m. Byaly Miller.

529 Jessie, b. Mch. 30, 1862; d. May 10, 1863.

530 Anna Maria, b. Aug. 26, 1864; m. Jonas A.

Rossman.

531 Janette, b. Mch. 5, 1867; m. Nov. 2, 1887,

James I. Leggett; d. Oct. 19, 1888. No issue.

532 Lulu, b. Oct. 30, 1874; m. James H. Miller.

533 Eugenia, b. Nov. 13, 1877 ; m. Edgar S. Bradley

534 Catherine E., b. Apr. 17, 1879; d. Mch. 16,

1881.

DXXVII

527 Ada, daughter of (349) Henry E. Best; m. June
5, 1878, Charles D.Tiffany, b. June 3, 1856. Issue:

BEST GENEALOGY 99

535 Claude, b. Mch. 5, 1879.

536 Gordon, b. Mch. 10, 1881; d. July 8, 1899.

537 LiLA Erroll, b. Sept. i, 1884.

538 Mary Irene, b. Sept. 9, 1889.

539 Rossman, b. July 29, 1895.

540 Harold, b. Oct. 6, 1900.

DXXVIII

528 CARRY, daughter of (349) Henry E. Best; m.
Oct. 10, 1878, Byaly Miller, b. Apr. 23, 1853, and had:

541 Emmett Rufus, b. Oct. 26, 1880.

542 Carroll Du Bois, b. Oct. 11, 1885.

DXXX

530 ANNA MARIA, daughter of (349) Henry E. Best;
m. Feb. 29, 1884, Jonas A. Rossman. Resides No. 217
Alexander Ave., N. Y. City. Issue:

543 Nellie Blaine, b. Feb. 16, 1885; d. Oct. 29,

1886.

544 Lillian R., b. July 14, 1889.

545 Jonas F., b. Oct. 15, 1890; d. June, 1892.

DXXXII

532 LULU, daughter of (349) Henry E. Best; m. Feb.
II, 1 89 1, James H. Miller, and had:

546 Myra Best, b. May 30, 1891.

547 KiTTiE Alta, b. Mch. 23, 1893.

548 Edgar S., b. Dec. i, 1895.

549 Jonas A., b. Jan. i, 1898.

DXXXIII

533 EUGENIA, daughter of (349) Henry E. Best;
m. Apr. 22, 1896, Edgar S. Bradley. Issue:

100 BEST GENEALOGY

550 Anna Rebecca, b. Dec. 19, 1896.

551 Lincoln Maurice, b. Feb. 12, 1897.

552 Charles Stewart, b. July 29, 1898.

CCCL

350 ANNA MARIA, daughter of (155) Robert Best;
m. Henry Best, son of Walter Best and Rhoda Smith,
b. at Caldwell, Rockland Co., N. Y. Issue:

553 Grace, b. Jan. 23, 1868; m. — Boucher.

554 Henry J., b. Nov. 25, 1867.

555 Anna Maria, b. Sept. 5, 1870.

556 Lillian, b.

Henry Best resides Red Hook, N. Y.
CCCLI

351 MARGARET MILLER, daughter of (155) Robert
Best; m. Mch. 8, 1855, Rensselaer Rote, b. Sept. i, 1832,
and had:

557 Willis H., b. Dec. 30, 1858; m. Apr. 24, 1895,

Minnie Crow. No issue. Resides 1334 Polk
St., San Francisco, Cal.

558 Robert, b. Mch. 20, 1864; m. Amber Foreman.

559 Stanley D.,b. Jan. 8, 1866; m. Harriet Crimbeck.

560 Anna M., b. July 30, 1868; m. James H. Walker.

561 Helena, b. Aug., 1862; d. 1865,

DLVIII

558 Robert, son of (351) Margaret M. Rote; m.
Sept., 1892, Amber Foreman. Issue:

562 Marguerite, b. Sept. 27, 1893.

563 Kathryn Evelyn, b. July 5, 1898.

DLIX

559 STANLEY D., son of (351) Margaret M. Rote;

BEST GENEALOGY 101

m. Oct. 29, 1896, Harriet Crimbeck, b. Jan. 28, 1866, and
had:

564 Helen Winifred, b. May 9, 1898.

Stanley D. Rote resides at No. 248 East St., Rensselaer,
N. Y.

DLX

560 ANNA M., daughter of (351) Margaret M. Rote;
m. Jan. 10, 1895, James H. Walker. Issue:

565 Ernest Vaughn, b. July 19, 1896.

566 Margaret Annabelle, b. Mch. 22, 1900.

James H. Walker resides Livingston, N. Y.
CCCLII

352 JOHN EMMET, son of (155) Robert Best; m.
Apr. 18, i860, Catherine A. Holsapple, and had:

567 Emma, b. ; d.

568 Agnes, b. ; m.

John E. Best resides Albia, Rensselaer Co., N. Y.

DLXVIII

568 AGNES, daughter of (352) John E. Best; m. — .
Resides Albia, Rensselaer Co., N. Y. Issue:

569 Agnes, b.

CCCLIII

353 HELEN, daughter of (155) Robert Best; m.
Nov. 21, 187 1, Robert Munkuttrick, b. Nov., 1842; d.
May 19, 1895. Issue:

570 Charles, b. May 18, 1873; d. May 19, 1895.

102

BEST GENEALOGY

Resides No. 107 West sist St., N. Y. City.

CCCLIV

354 CHARLES MONROE, son of (155) Robert Best;
Charlotte Ann Kells. Resides Livingston. Issue:

Ham.
Knickerbocker.

Resides in the

west,
m. Henrietta C.

571

Russell B., b

572

WiLLARD, b.

573

James, b.

574

Nellie, b.

575

Robert, b. Ji

Try on.

June 19, 1863;

DLXXI

571 RUSSELL B., son of (354) Charles M. Best; m.
— Ham, and had:

576

Leroy, b.

577

Clifford, b.

578

Alma May, b.

579

Russell, b.

DLXXII

572 WILLARD, son of (354) Charles M. Best; m.
— Knickerbocker, and had:

580 Clara Belle, b.

DLXXV

575 ROBERT, son of (354) Charles M. Best; m.
58?, Henrietta C. Tryon, b. Aug. 24, 1865. Issue:

581 Minnie Luella, b. Feb. 13, 1883.

582 Elva Irene, b. Nov. 28, 1887.

583 Russell Miner, b. May 20, 1899.

Resides No. 607 Pawling Ave., Albia, N. Y.

BEST GENEALOGY 103

CCXLII

242 EVE, daughter of (75) John J. Best; m. Dec. 27,
1818, Jacob Tiel Ham. He d. Feb. 18, 1869, aged 71
years. Issue:

584 Wilson, b. Jan. 12, 1820; m. (335) Lucy Best,

daughter of (152) Jeremiah Best (see under
family No. 335); d. May 31, 1899.

585 John Tiel, b. Feb. i, 1822; m. ist, Helen

Cornelia Shultz; m. 2nd, Emma F. Drury.

586 Thomas, b. May 26, 1824; d. Jan., 1841. Buried

Johnstown.

587 Allen Jacob, b. Oct. 11, 1826; m. Martha Jane

Cutler.

DLXXXV

585 JOHN TIEL, son of (242) Eve Ham; m. ist,
Sept. 10, 1844, Helen Cornelia Shultz, b. Mch. 19, 1826;
d. 1852. Issue:

588 Mary Isabella, b. Oct. 26, 1846; d. Feb. 14,

1870.

589 Helen Catherine, b. July 28, 1852; m. Philip

RadclifiF; m. 2nd, Feb. 23, 1854, Emma F.
Drury, b. July 13, 1836. No issue.

Jacob T. Ham resides Stuyvesant Landing, N. Y.

DLXXXIX

589 HELEN CATHERINE, daughter of (585) John
T. Ham; m. Jan. 8, 1873, Philip Radcliflf, and had:

590 William H., b. Nov. 30, 1873; m. Apr. 26,

1899, Alma D. Teal. No issue.

591 Grace Marrian, b. Mch. 5, 1877; d. Jan. i, 1880.

DLXXXVII
587 ALLEN JACOB, son of (242) Eve Ham; m.

104 BEST GENEALOGY

Jan. 16, 1850, Martha Jane Cutler, b. Oct. 11, 1824; d.
May I, 1900, and had:

592 Thomas S., b. Apr. 4, 1851; m. Hulena Orde.

593 Elizabeth Best, b. June 2, 1857; m. Sept.

28, 1881, Frank S. Fay. No issue.

DXCII

592 THOMAS S., son of (587) Allen J. Ham; m. Aug.
23, 1882, Hulena Orde. Issue:

594 Marianna, b. Aug. 2, 1884.

CCXLIV

244 JOHN LOUNARD, son of (75) John J. Best; m.
Sept. 14, 1825, Maria Williams, and had:

595 MartinLuther, b. Nov. II, 1827; d. in the west.

596 Catherine Margaret, b. Aug. 28, 1826; d.

Sept. 12, 1828.

597 Mary Elizabeth, b. Oct. 7, 1829.

CCXVL

245 CATHERINE, daughter of (75) John J. Best; m.
Jan. 8, 1827, by Rev. A. N. Kettle, Robert Nicholas Van
Deusen, b. Oct. 4, 1804; d. Oct. 28, 1863, aged 59 years.
Issue:

598 Edwin Holmes, b. Aug. 29, bp. Nov. 9, 1828,

by Rev. Harmon Vedder, at the Reformed
Dutch Church, Johnstown, Col. Co., N. Y.;
m. Cynthia Ann Wendover.

599 Margaret Ann, b. July 27, bp. Oct. 24, 1830,

at Johnstown; d. Sept. 25, 1857; single; buried
at Stuyvesant Landing, N. Y.

600 Mary Ellen, b. Dec. 20, 1832; bp. Feb. 22, 1833;

BEST GENEALOGY 105

m. Oct. 5, 185?, William Pierson Hazelton.
Resides N. Y. City, N. Y. No issue.

Robert Nicholas Van Deusen, after a long life passed
in mercantile pursuits, in Livingston Manor, purchased,
in 1849, at Stuyvesant Landing, the colonial mansion and
farm of Hon. Benjamin F. Butler, Secretary of State under
President Van Buren, and resided there until his death.
The property has, lately, passed into the possession of an
Odd Fellows Order, and been converted into a home for
aged members. For full biographical notes of this family,
see Van Deusen Genealogy, p. 80, published by the author
of this book.

DXCVIII

598 EDWIN HOLMES, son of (245) Catherine Van
Deusen; m. July 22, 1858, Cynthia Ann Wendover, daughter
of John Thompson Wendover, of Stuyvesant Landing,
N. Y., b. Aug. 4, 1835. Mar. by Rev. Egbert Nevins, of
Stuyvesant. Issue:

601 Robert Thompson, b. Kalamazoo, Mich., Apr.

26, 1859; m. ist, Dec. 13, 1882, Alice Bertha
Bates, daughter of James H. Bates, Brooklyn,
N. Y. ; no issue. Adopted, Florence Wendover
Van Deusen, b. Aug. 30, 1879; m. 2nd, Har-
riett Louise Mosier.

602 Anna Margaret, b. Kalamazoo, Mich., May 17,

1862; d. Feb. 5, 1864. Buried at Mt. Home
Cemetery, Kalamazoo. Removed to cemetery
at Stuyvesant Landing, N. Y.

Edwin H. Van Deusen was, for many years. Medical
Superintendent of the Michigan Asylum for the Insane
(see Van Deusen Genealogy, pp. 134-7).

DCI

601 ROBERT THOMPSON, son of (598) Edwin

106 BEST GENEALOGY

Holmes Van Deusen; m. June 6, 1899, Harriett Louise
Mosier, b. South Schodack, Rens. Co., N. Y., June 6, 1877,
and had:

603 Harriett Huyck, b. Mch. 3, 1900.

604 Robert Wendover, b.

Robert T. Van Deusen resides at Newburgh, N. Y.

CCXLVI

246 HENRY ALLAN, son of (75) John J. Best; m.
Sept. 16, 1835, by Rev. A. N. Kettle, at Stuyvesant Land-
ing, Elizabeth P. Cutter, b. Apr. 28, 1816; d. Nov. 18,
1855. Buried Stuyvesant Landing, N. Y. Issue:

605 Abigail Stevens, b. Feb. 7, 1842. Single.

Resides Stuyvesant Landing.

606 Henry Allan, b. Apr. 20, 1848; m. Mary Kate

Pruyn; d. Jan. 20, 1905.

Henry Allan Best was largely interested in mercantile
pursuits. He established, in 1868, a merchants' and
general freighting business at Stuyvesant Landing, under
the firm name of Henry A. Best & Co.; was one of the Con-
sistory of the Stuyvesant Reformed Dutch Church; was a
member of the last Disbursing Committee, Jan. 4, 1865;
Supervisor, 1859-75; and a Director of the National Union
Bank at Kinderhook, N. Y.

DCVI

606 HENRY ALLAN, son of (246) Henry Allan Best;
m. Nov. 5, 1879, by Rev. E. A. Collier, Mary Kate Pruyn,
of Kinderhook, N. Y. (see Pruyn Genealogy), b. Mch.
15, 1858. Issue:

607 Pruyn, b. July 27, 1880; d. Oct. 14, 1881.

608 Henry Allan, b. May 27, 1884; d. Jan. 15, 1886.

609 Abigail Lee, b. Apr. 4, 1887.

BEST GENEALOGY 107

Henry A. Best died at his beautiful home at Stuyvesant
Landing, Jan. 20, 1905. He was an energetic business
man and a representative citizen of Columbia County.
He was engaged in the freighting business, and was an
extensive dealer in lumber, coal, and feed at Stuyvesant
Landing. He was one of the substantial property- holders
of the county and was well and favorably known as a man
of more than ordinary business talent and worth. Mr.
Best's elementary talent and worth were obtained in the
schools of his native town, and his more advanced studies
were pursued in schools at Rhinebeck and Poughkeepsie.
After his graduation he entered the store of his father
at Stuyvesant as a clerk, remaining in that capacity until
1872, when his father retired from active business, and
he was admitted to the firm as junior member, the name
being changed to J. Woolcox & Co. In 1880 the firm name
was changed to Best & Bray. After several years of con-
tinued prosperity another change in the firm was made,
the name then reading H. A. Best & Co. In 1888, Mr.
Best sold out his interest in the store and abandoned
mercantile pursuits for awhile. Two years later, however,
he purchased the freighting business, which he carried on
up to the time of his death, adding the lumber, coal, and
feed business to his sole enterprise. He was the owner
of several large farms and accumulated considerable
wealth. He is survived by his wife, one daughter, and a
sister, who reside in Stuyvesant Landing.

CCXLVIa

246a MARY, daughter of (75) John J. Best; m. ist,
Mch. 25, 1837, by Rev. Richard Sluyter, at Claverack,
N. Y., Milton Peters, b. May 22, 1815; d. Feb. 17, 1845.
Issue:

610 Clarence, b. May 28, 1838; m. Addie E. Smith;
d. Oct. 6, 1897.

108 BEST GENEALOGY

Mar. 2nd, Sept., 1849, Peter J. Houghtaling, b. Feb. 21,
1819. Resides Stuyvesant Landing. No issue. Asst.
Postmaster of the Assembly, 1867.

DCX

610 CLARENCE, son of (246a) Mary Peters; m. Jan.
17, 1866, Addie E. Smith, b. Apr. 20, 1840. Resides
Stuyvesant Landing. Issue:

611 Harriet, b. Sept. 22, 1867; m. Edward Murrell.

612 Ada, b. Aug. 16, 1871.

613 Milton, b. June 18, 1873.

614 Allen B., b. July 31, 1877.

Clarence Peters was Town Clerk, 1866; enlisted, at
Stuyvesant, Apr. 23, 1861, 9th Regt. Co. G.

DCXI

611 HARRIET, daughter of (610) Clarence Peters;
m. June 15, 1887, Edward Murrell, b. June n, 1865. Issue:

615 Minnie L., b. Jan. 2, 1889.

616 Clarence, b. Sept. 26, 1892.

617 Esther, b. Nov. 23, 1897.

CCXLVII

247 WILLIAM, son of (75) John J. Best; m. Dec. 15,
1836, by Rev. I. H. Van Waggoner, at Livingston, Emeline
Miller, b. Dec. 30, 1818; d. June 22, 1890. Issue:

618 Emeline, b. d. y.

619 Maggie, b. d. y.

620 Valeria, b. Dec. 8, 1836; m. ist, George W.

Bayly; m. 2nd, George P. K. Pomeroy, M.D.;
d. May i, 1900.

BEST GENEALOGY 109

621 Mary Peters, b. Feb. 7, 1846; m. Sanford

May ell.

622 Edward S., Feb. 15, 1840; m. Martha M. Rogers;

d. Feb. 22, 1885.

623 William Lounard, b. June 14, 1848. d. y.

624 Harriet Ann, b. Sept. 14, 1849. d. y.

William Best was Supervisor of the town of Stuyvesant,
1849-51; Sheriff of the county, 1852; and, for many years,
President of the National Bank of Kinderhook.

DCXX

620 VALERIA, daughter of (247) William Best; m.
ist, Oct. 23, 1859, George W. Bayly, b. Mch. 6, 1833; d.
June 15, 1875. Issue:

625 SARAHELizABETH,b. July 4, 1861; d. Dec. 6, 1862.
Mar. 2nd, George P. K. Pomeroy, M.D., Jan. 4, 1862.

George W. Bayly was Supervisor from the town of
Stuyvesant, 1866.

George P. K. Pomeroy, M.D., graduated from the Albany
Medical College, in the class of 1878; was one of the in-
corporators and President of the " Forewood Cemetery
Association," of Stuyvesant Landing; is a member and
has been President of the Columbia County Medical Society ;
is an associate of the State Medical Association, and has
been Health Officer, since the organization of the Board
of Health, in 1880, of the town of Stuyvesant. He is
one of the Democratic County Committee, and a member
of the Town Committee.

DCXXI

621 MARY PETERS, daughter of (247) William Best;
m. Jan. 29, 1866, Sanford Mayell, b. 1844; d.
1891. Resides 220 Aline St., Buffalo, N. Y. Issue:

110 BEST GENEALOGY

626 Valeria Eloise, bp. July 22, 1867; m.

— Boehm.

DCXXVI

626 VALERIA ELOISE, daughter of (621) Mary P.
Mayell; m. 1888, — Boehm, and had:

627 Leslie M., b. 1890; d. Nov. 13, 1890.

DCXXII

622 EDWARD S., son of (247) William Best; m. Jan.
23, 1867, Martha M. Rogers, b. Sept. 29, 1844. Resides
Valatie, N. Y. Issue:

628 Howard, b. Oct. 4, 1877.

629 John R., b. Feb. 18, 1869; d. Aug. 23, 1869.

630 Elizabeth, b. Mch. 8, 1871.

CCXLVIII

248 PETER, son of (75) John J. Best; m. Nov. 26,
1845, Harriet Rockefeller, b. Sept. 14, 1821; d. Jan. 23,
1892. Buried Claverack. Issue:

631 Elizabeth Tobey Cutler, b. Aug. 10, 1846; d.

Dec. 24, 1854.

632 Harriet Anna, b. Feb. 2, 1849. Resides

Claverack, N. Y.

633 Augusta Lynes, b. July 22, 1856; m. Wilbur

Miller.

Peter Best was for many years a trustee of Claverack
College.

DCXXXIII

633 AUGUSTA LYNES, daughter of (248) Peter Best;
m, Jan. 29, 1879, Wilbur Miller, and had:

634 Clayton J., b. Feb. 19, 1880; m.

BEST GENEALOGY HI

CCIL

249 JACOB, son of (75) John J. Best; m. Dec. i, 1853,
at Ovid, N. Y., by Rev. Hamilton, Gertrude Nevius, b.
Dec. 17, 1822, and had:

635 John Leighton Wilson, b. May 19, 1855; m.

Sept. 10, 1890, by Rev. Frederick Woods, D.D.,
Stella Francis Lewis. No issue. Resides
Springfield, Mass. Address, "Springfield
News."

636 Margaret Elizabeth, b. May 19, 1855; m.

Rev. George W. Adams.

637 Anna Donaldson, b. Sept. 4, 1862; m. Arthur

Head; d. Aug. 9, 1893.

638 Ellen Gertrude, b. Oct. 17, 1864; m. Rev.

John Merriam.

Jacob Best, D.D. was living in 1894; had been pastor
of churches at Waymart, Pa., and Brooklyn, N. Y.; was
a man of marked ability and character, and achieved great
success in his chosen work.

DCXXXVI

636 MARGARET ELIZABETH, daughter of (249)
Jacob Best; m. Oct. 3, 1882, by Rev. Jacob Best, at Brook-
lyn, N. Y., Rev. George W. Adams. Resides Wilson,
N. Y. Issue:

639 Benjamin Pettengill, b. July 14, 1883.

640 Elbert Nevius, b. Aug. 9, 1885.

641 Samuel Dean, b. Feb. 20, 1887,

642 George Fletcher, b. June 12, 1890.

DCXXXVII

637 ANNA DONALDSON, daughter of (249) Jacob
Best; m. Dec. i, 1886, by Rev. Jacob Best, at Brooklyn,

112 BEST GENEALOGY

N. Y., Arthur Head. b. July 31, 1851. Resides Towanda
Pa. Issue:

643 Allan Best, b. Oct. 24, 1887.

644 Jacob Ward, b. Apr. 12, 1889.

645 Gertrude Nevius, b. Sept. 22, 1891.

DCXXXVIII

638 ELLEN GERTRUDE, daughter of (249) Jacob
Best; m. Nov. 29, 1887, by Rev. Jacob Best, at Brooklyn,
N. Y., Rev. John Merriam, b. Apr. 14, 1855. Issue:

646 Charles Leighton, b. Sept. 11, 1888.

647 Arthur Marshall, b. Aug. 22, 1892.

648 John Howard, b. Nov. 8, 1894.

649 Joseph Lawrence, b. Nov. 11, 1896.

650 Gertrude Best, b. Apr. 7, 1899.

Rev. John Merriam resides at Port Dickinson, N. Y.

CCL

250 MARGARET, daughter of (76) Catherine Becker;
m. Sept. 18, 1814, William Reynolds, b. July 4, 1789; d.
July 5, 1847. Issue:

651 Eliza Catherine, b. July 22, 1815; m. Feb. 13.

1873, Jacob Ostrander. No issue. He d.
1900. She d. Aug. 4, 1899. Both buried
Greenbush.

652 Harrison Edward, b. Oct. 21, 1816; d. Sept.

16, 1832.

653 Hiram, b. Apr. 20, 1818; d. Apr. 2, 1850. Single,

654 Christina Maria, b. Sept. 12, 1819; m. Joseph

D. Morris; d. Jan. 8, 1892.

655 Thomas H., b. Aug. 25, 1821; m. Jane A. Ham;

d. Oct. 20, 1895.

656 Eleanor, b. June 24, 1824; d. Dec. 22, 1825.

BEST GENEALOGY 113

657 Margaret, b. July 30, 1827; m. Reuben Living

ston.

658 Henry Harris, b. Apr. 2, 1830; Elizabeth ;

d. Apr. 18, 1883.

659 Malinda, b. July 18, 1833.

660 Eveline, b. Mch. 3, 1839; m. (952) Thaddeus

C. S. Reynolds (see under family No. 952).

DCLIV

654 CHRISTINA MARIA, daughter of (250) Margaret
Reynolds; m. Oct. 12, 1842, Joseph D. Morris, b. Sept.
2, 1817; d. July 15, 1882. Issue:

661 Jane Ellen, b. May 26, 1844; m. John A.

Almstead.

662 Edwin Reynolds, b. Nov. 28, 1846; m. Eliza

Jane Waterbury.

Joseph D. Morris resided East Schodack, N. Y.
DCLV

655 THOMAS H., son of (250) Margaret Reynolds;
m. Feb. 6, 1845, 1^^^ ^- Ham, b. Sept. 22, 1826. Issue:

663 Isaac Dewitt, b. Jan. 31, 1846; m. Frances A.

Waterbury; d. Sept. 4, 1889.

664 Emma F., b. Jan. 17, 1848; m. Col. S. Wheeler.

665 William H., b. Mch. 17, 1850; m. Josephine

Mosier.

666 Calvin F., b. Sept. 25, 1852 ; m. Margaret Whit-

beck.

667 Eva C, b. Feb. 26, 1858; m. William H. Fellows.

668 Phebe E., b. Oct. 16, 1867. Single.

669 Charles J., b. Sept. 4, 1872; m. Sept. 4, 1893,

Bertha Pitts. No issue.

Thomas H. Reynolds resides Nassau, Rens. Co., N. Y.

114 BEST GENEALOGY

DCLVII

657 MARGARET, daughter of (250) Margaret Rey-
nolds; m. Nov. 21, 1850, Reuben Livingston, b. Jan. 3,
1826. Issue:

670 Alda, b. Oct. 7, 1851; d. Sept. 14, 1852.

671 Renaldo R., b. July 25, 1855; m. Elna H.

Snyder.

672 Adelmar T., b. Dec. 18, 1857 ; m. Ida L. Purves,

Sept. 29, 1886. She was b. Feb. 4, i860.
Resides Springfield, Mass. No issue.

673 Reuben H., b. Oct. 8, 1863; d. Dec. 4, 1891; m.

Ann Augusta Lane.

674 Charles G., b. Feb. 5, 1871; m. ist, Emma

Bulson; m. 2nd, Ester Sawyer.

DCLVIII

658 HENRY HARRIS, son of (250) Margaret Rey-
nolds; m. 185?, Elizabeth , and had:

675 Elizabeth Jane, b.

Henry Harris Reynolds resides E. D., No. 66 Jefferson
St., Brooklyn, N. Y.

DCLXI

661 JANE ELLEN, daughter of (654) Christina M.
Morris; m. May 26, 1861, John A. Almstead, and had:

676 Amelia M., b. Feb. 26, 1865; m. Edward Coomber.

677 Irving Abner, b. July 9, 1868. Single.

678 Morris J., b. Mch. 18, 1870; m. Mary Emma

Radcliffe.

679 Raymond P., b. Sept. 20, 1872; m. 1899,

Charlotte Buhr, b. Apr. 23, 1878. No issue.

John A. Almstead resides 192 Frank St., Rochester,
N. Y.

BEST GENEALOGY 115

DCLXXVI

676 AMELIA M., daughter of (66 1) Jane E. Almstead;
m. Feb. 27, 1895, Edward Coomber, b. at Trowbridge,
Eng., Dec. 15, 1863, and had:

680 J. Edward, b. Feb. 29, 1896.

681 Raymond Almstead, b. Nov. 12, 1899.

DCLXXVIII

678 MORRIS J., son of (661) Jane E. Almstead; m.
June 7, 1894, Mary Emma Radcliffe, b. May 10, 1873.
Issue :

682 Leah Ellen, b. Sept. 12, 1895.

683 William, b. Dec. 29, 1896.

684 Maurice, b. Feb. 25, 1899.

DCLXII

662 EDWIN REYNOLDS, son of (654) Christina M.
Morris; m. Feb. 8, 1871, Eliza Jane Waterbury, and had:

685 Herbert D., b. Nov. 5, 1871; m. Sept. 19,

1895, Martha R. Kimmey. No issue.

Edwin R. Morris resides East Schodack, N. Y.
DCLXIII

663 ISAAC DEWITT, son of (655) Thomas H. Rey-
nolds; m. Sept. 27, 1868, Frances A. Waterbury, b. Sept.
27, 1846. Issue:

686 Nellie M., b. June 28, 1869; m. Oct. 19, 1898,

John Wesley Hyde, b. Feb. 29, 1872.

687 Thomas H., b. Jan. 26, 1871.

DCLXIV

664 EMMA F., daughter of (655) Thomas H. Reynolds;
m. Feb. 26, 1880, Colonel S. Wheeler. Issue:

688 Silas R., b. May 11, 1882.

116 BEST GENEALOGY

DCLXV

665 WILLIAM H., son of (655) Thomas H. Reynolds;
m. Oct. 4, 1878, Josephine Mosier. Issue:

689 James Miller, b. July 25, 1880.

690 Florence Josephine, b. Nov. 7, 1886.

DCLXVI

666 CALVIN F., son of (655) Thomas H. Reynolds,
m. Dec. II, 1878, Margaret Whitbeck, b. Jan. 22, 1852.
Issue:

691 William Whitbeck, b. Sept. 20, 1878.

692 Minnie Ferris, b. Aug. 29, 1881.

693 Mabelle Stanton, b. Oct. 4, 1891.

694 Herbert Edwin, b. Nov. 21, 1893.

DCLXVII

667 EVA C, daughter of (655) Thomas H. Reynolds ■
m. June 14, 1882, William H. Fellows, b. Feb. 16, 1855,
and had:

695 Maria Jane, b. Sept. 12, 1884; d. Aug. 21, 1891.

696 Minnie R., b. Oct. 19, 1887; d. Aug. 24, 1891.

DCLXXI

671 RENALDO R., son of (657) Margaret Livingston;
m. Jan. 19, 1888, Edna H. Snyder, b. Nov. 12, 1869, and
had:

697 Harry R., b. Feb. 12, 1889.

698 Raymond H., b. Jan. 30, 1890.

699 Harriet, b. Dec. 2, 1892.

DCLXXIII

673 REUBEN H., son of (657) Margaret Livingston;
m. Dec. 25, 1883, at Lutheran Church, Ghent, Ann Augusta
Lane, of Ghent, N. Y., b. Sept. 19, 1855. Issue:

BEST GENEALOGY 117

700 Alida M., b. Mch. 5, 1885.

701 Edith A., b. June 16, 1886; d. Dec. 29, 1892.

DCLXXIV

674 CHARLES G., son of (657) Margaret Livingston;
m. ist, Emma Bulson. She d. June, 1895. Issue:

702 Edith, b. d. y.

703 Claude, b. d. y.

704 Irene, b. d. y.

M. 2nd, 1896. Ester Sawyer, and had:

70s William, b. July 10, 1897; d. Dec. 3, 1897.

706 Elizabeth, b. Nov. 6, 1899.

Charles G. Livingston resides 218 Sixth St., Leominister,
Mass.

DCLI

651 CHRISTINA MARIA, daughter of (76) Catherine
Becker; m. Aug. 3, 181 7, at Claverack, N. Y., by Rev.
Gebbard, Jacob Shultus, b. 1794; d. 1870.

Issue :

707 Levi, b. Mch. 28, 1819; d. . Single. Served

in the Civil War.

708 John, b. Jan. 9, 1824; d. June 29, 1892. Single.

709 Catherine Maria, b. Nov. 6, 1821; m. Asa

Spalding.

710 Peter, b. Apr. 6, 1826; m. Martha Benjamin.

711 Robert, b. Nov. 8, 1829; d. May 28, 1831.

712 Horace, b. May 19, 1833; m. Lillian Orcott.

DCCIX

709 CATHERINE MARIA, daughter of (251) Christina
M. Shultus; m. June 2, 1842, Asa Spalding, of Hoosick
Falls, b. Oct. 15, 181 7; d. Nov. 23, 1888. Issue:

118 BEST GENEALOGY

713 Rowland Asa, b. Oct. 28, 1851; m. Mrs. Alice

E. Crissey.

714 Sarah Augusta, b. Dec. 10, 1843; m. Isaac S.

Bixby.

715 Charles A., b. Oct. 15, 1854; m. ist, Nettie

J. Watts; m. 2nd, Emma M. Barnes.

716 Willis Urann, b. Mch. 16, 1846; d. Oct. 2, 1847.

717 Christina C, b. Oct. 7, 1849; d. Nov. 18, 1849.

DCCXIII

713 ROWLAND ASA, son of (709) Catherine M.
Spalding; m. Oct. 28, 1886, Alice Elizabeth (Tuck) Crissey,
widow of Charles Herman Crissey, and daughter of William
and Catherine Elizabeth (Dean) Tuck, b. at Wilkesbarre,
Pa., Apr. 20, 1853. Issue:

718 Kathleen Tuck, b. Nov. 3, 1887.

719 Irving Asa, b. June 18, 1889.

Rowland A. Spalding resides No. 88 North Franklin
St., Wilkesbarre, Pa.

DCCXIV

714 SARAH AUGUSTA, daughter of (709) Catherine
M. Spalding; m. May 3, 1865, Isaac S. Bixby, b. Aug. 9,
1841, and had:

720 Frances C, b. Mch. 12, 1876; m. William F.

Breen.

Isaac S. Bixby resides Hoosick Falls, N. Y.

DCCXX

720 FRANCES C, daughter of (714) Sarah A. Bixby;
m. July 7, 1897, William F. Breen, b. Mch. 31, 1871, and
had:

721 Frances W., b. July 25, 1898.

BEST GENEALOGY 119

DCCXV

715 CHARLES A., son of (709) Catherine M. Spalding;
m. ist, Dec. 13, 1878, Nettie J. Watts. She d. June 17,
1 88 1. Issue:

722 Alta Maria, b. May i, i88i; d. Aug. 3, 1881.

M. 2nd, May 15, 1889, Emma M. Barnes, b. Dec. 29,
1854, and had:

723 Charles H. Spurgeon, b. Sept. 4, 1891.

724 Norman Edward, b. May 15, 1894.

725 Willie Conard, b. Apr. 30, 1897.

Rev. Charles A. Spalding resides Hollisterville, Wayne
Co., Pa.

DCCX

710 PETER, son of (251) Christina M. Shultus; m.
Sept. 7, 1859, Martha Benjamin, and had:

726 Elizabeth, b. June 20, i860; d. Feb. 18, 1879.

727 Harriet, b. June 21, 1861; m. Edward Carey.

728 William, b. Aug. 18, 1863; m. Grace Livingston.

Peter Shultus resides Watervliet, N, Y.

DCCXXVII

727 HARRIET, daughter of (710) Peter Shultus; m.
Oct. 31, 1883, Edward Carey, b. Feb. 24, 1862, and had:

729 Bertha, b. Nov. 22, 1884.

730 Edna, b. Feb. 28, 1887.

DCCXXVIII

728 WILLIAM, son of (710) Peter Shultus; m. Aug. 16,
1890, Grace Livingston, and had:

120 BEST GENEALOGY

731 Hazel Inez, b. June, 1892; d. Oct., 1895.

732 Grace Ada, b. Aug. i, 1894.

DCCXII

712 HORACE, son of (251) Christina M. Shultus; m.
Jan. 19, 1 86 1, Lillian Orcott, and had:

733 Edward, b. Sept. 13, 1863; m. Oct. 22, 1885,

Sarah Graham. No issue. Resides Utica,
N. Y.

734 Elizabeth, b. July 29, 1876; m. Aug. 31, 1898,

Willard Comstock. No issue. Resides Utica.

Horace Shultus resides No. 155 Blandina St., Utica, N. Y.

CCLII

252 PETER, son of (76) Catherine Becker; m. June 7,
1834, Harriet Acly, b. Feb. 17, 1814; d. Oct. 9, 1891.
Issue :

735 Thomas, b. May i, 1835; d. Sept. 13, 1835.

736 Crawford, b. Aug. 3, 1836; m. ist, Elizabeth

Whiting; m. 2nd, Gertrude Statts; d. May 5,
1892.

DCCXXXVI

736 CRAWFORD, son of (252) Peter Becker; m. 1st,
Feb. 14, 1863, Elizabeth Whiting, b. Dec. 13, 1843; d-
Feb. 23, 1879. Issue:

737 Harriet, b. May 4, 1864; m. Frederick Hallen-

beck.

738 William J,, b. Jan. 14, 1871.

M. 2nd, Sept. 30, 1880, Gertrude Statts,
b. Dec. 3, 1845. No issue.

BEST GENEALOGY 121

DCCXXXVII

737 HARRIET, daughter of (736) Crawford Becker;
m. Feb. 27, 1889, Frederick Hallenbeck, and had:

739 Edith, b. Aug. 14, 1891.

Frederick Hallenbeck resides Greendale, Col. Co., N. Y.

CCLIII

253 CATHERINE, daughter of (76) Catherine Becker;
m. Nov. II, 1822, Abraham Van Hoevenburg, and had:

740
741
742

Abraham Van Hoevenburg resides somewhere in Wis-
consin. Relatives have lost track of him. I am told
that he had three children, but have been unable to obtain
any trace of them.

CCLV

255 CHENEY, son of (76) Catherine Ames; m. Mch.
3, 1838, Jane Cole, b. Mch. 29, 1821, and had:

743 Oscar, b. Aug. 11, 1839; m. Jennie L. Serrine;

d. Feb. 16, 1883.

744 Harriet, b. Apr. 13, 1842; m. May 8, 1889,

John Journeay. No issue.

745 Melissa, b. Oct. i, 1843; m. Sept. 26, 1882,

Joseph Kay. No issue.

746 Orrin, b. Nov. 18, 1845; d- Mch. 23, 1847.

747 Matilda, b. Apr. 2, 1848; m. Emery Freer.

748 Alice, b. Mch. 24, 1850; m. Dec. 18, 1879, John

Griffiths. No issue.

122 BEST GENEALOGY

DCCXLIII

743 OSCAR, son of (255) Cheney Ames; m. Aug. 6,
1862, Jennie L. Serrine. Issue:

749 Cheney, b. Aug., 1865; d. Aug., 1883.

750 Jennie E., b. Mch. 28, 1868; m. Andrew Ter-

pening.

751 Addie, b. Oct. 5, 1870; m. Elly Z. Parker.

752 Edith, b. May, 1875.

753 Harry, b. Nov. 14, 1877.

754 Frank, b. Dec, 1878.

755 Oscar, b.

Oscar Ames resides Esopus, N. Y.
DCCL

750 JENNIE E., daughter of (743) Oscar Ames; m.
May 4, 1889, Andrew Terpening, b. Mch. 19, 1866, and had:

756 Grace A., b. Oct. 16, 1890.

757 Grover C, b. Oct. 23, 1892.

758 Harry H., b. May 7, 1895.

759 Idella May, b. Dec. 8, 1897.

760 Edna Bell, b. Oct. 6, 1899.

DCCLI

751 ADDIE, daughter of (743) Oscar Ames; m. Dec. 4,
1889, Elly Z. Parker, and had:

761 Jennie, b. Aug. 7, 1890.
Elly Z. Parker resides Esopus, N. Y.

DCCXLVII

747 MATILDA, daughter of (255) Cheney Ames; m.
Sept. 28, 1869, Emery Freer. Resides Esopus. Issue:

BEST GENEALOGY 123

762 Tilly A., b. Mch. 10, 1871.

763 Fred., b. May 8, 1875.

764 Hattie, b. Sept. lo, 1878.

765 Grace, b. Mch. 15, 1881.

766 Hasbruck, b. Dec. 26, 1883.

767 Viva L., b. Nov. 15, 1890.

CCLVI

256 MALINDA, daughter of (76) Catherine Ames; m.
1837, John Hogle, and had:

768 Augusta, b. Apr. 8, 1842; m. Rev. David

Phillips.

769 Almina, b. Feb. 18, 1844; d. Apr. 14, 1844.

DCCLXVIII

768 AUGUSTA, daughter of (256) Malinda Ames; m.
Apr. 16, 1868, Rev. David Phillips, and had:

770 Fred. M., b. May 23, 1869; m. June 12, 1895,

Nellie Saunders. Resides Newburgh. No
issue.

771 Augusta M., b. Aug. 29, 1872.

772 David H., b. May 12, 1874; m. Georgia Wolcott.

773 Jennie, b. May 16, 1876; m. Oct. 6, 1897,

Charles H. Decker. Resides Germantown.
No issue.

DCCLXXII

772 DAVID H., son of (768) Augusta Phillips; m.
June 30, 1895, Georgia Wolcott. Issue:

774 William, b. Oct. 5, 1896.

775 Clarence, b. Oct. 11, 1897.

776 Jennie Mab, b. Apr. 2, 1899.

David H. Phillips resides Red Hook, N. Y.

124 BEST GENEALOGY

CCLVIII

258 NORMAN C, son of (76) Catherine Ames; m.
Nov. II, 1846, Catherine Moore, b. Aug. 5, 1828. Mar.
by Rev. Augustus Wacherhagen. Issue:

777 Clarence, b. Mch. 28, 1848; m. Alida Clum.

778 Norman E., b. July 11, 1850; m. Lillie Queen.

779 Charles H., b. Aug. 11, 1852; d. Apr. 28, 1884.

780 Mary C, b. May 25, 1857; m. Robert Schermer-

horn.

781 Carry E., b. Dec. 6, i860; m. Dec. 25, 1897,

Gilbert Terry. Resides Madalin. No issue.

782 Frank W., b. July 16, 1863 ; m. Lizzie E. Miller.

783 Matilda, b. Aug. 15, 1867; m. Nov. 27, 1890,

Harry Champlain. Resides Madalin. No
issue.

784 Hattie May, b. May 17, 1876.

DCCLXXVII

777 CLARENCE, son of (258) Norman C. Ames; m.
Dec. 5, 1878, Alida Clum, and had:

785 Florence, b. Sept. 10, 1879; d. Aug. 5, 1880.

786 Margaret Pearl, b. Aug. 5, 1887; d. Mch. ii,

1900.

DCCLXXVIII

778 NORMAN E., son of (258) Norman C. Ames; m.
June 27, 1876, Lillie Queen, and had:

787 Daniel E., b. Apr. 8, 1879.

788 Mary E., b. Sept. 25, 1880.

789 Norman C, ) • , ^ . ^„

' ^ T T f twms, b. Oct. 26, 1882.

790 Lillie J., )

791 Charles M., b. Dec. 11, 1884.

792 Carrie T., b. Sept. 25, 1886.

BEST GENEALOGY 125

793 Alice M., b. June i8, 1888.

794 Florence, b. Feb. i, 1892.

795 Theodore O., b. Oct. 29, 1893.

I was informed, in 1900, that three of the children of
Norman E. Ames had died, and that none were married.
Resides Saugerties, N. Y.

DCCLXXX

780 MARY C, daughter of (258) Norman C. Ames;
m. Nov. 26, 1885, Robert Schermerhorn, b. Aug. 28, 1857;
d. May 16, 1896. Issue:

796 George, b. July 16, 1888; d. Sept. 28, 1888.

DCCLXXXII

782 FRANK W., son of (258) Norman C. Ames; m.
Oct. 15, 1890, Lizzie E. Miller, and had:

797 Mildred Isabel, b. Mch. 26, 1893.

798 Edna Catherine, b. Dec. 27, 1895.

Frank W. Ames resides Clifton Park, N. J.

CCLIX

259 ALIDA, daughter of (76) Catherine Ames; m.
184?, Stephen Varley, and had:

799 Bernard, b. Jan. 10, 1846.

800 Isabella, b. ; m. June, i860, Albert

Lane. Resides Troy, N. Y. No issue.

801 Matilda, b. d. y.

802 Alida, b. d. y.

803 Merwin, b. d. y.

Stephen Varley resided at Vineland, N. J.

126 BEST GENEALOGY

CCLX

260 MARY, daughter of (77) Peter I. Best; m.
1826, John Dakin, b. May 11, 1799; d. Oct. 3, 1875. Both
buried Kinderhook, N. Y. Issue:

804 Levi, b. Feb. 25, 1827; m. (310) Delia Eliza

Best, daughter of (84) Jeremiah J. Best and
Phebe Kipp; d. Mch. 17, 1900.

805 Martha Maria, b. Oct. 9, 1829; m. (293) John

J. Best, son of (82) Abraham Best and Harriet
Van Deusen.

806 Caroline Phebe, b. June 12, 1832; m. Jacob

P. Packman; d. July 25, 1896.

807 Elizabeth Ann, b. Feb. 9, 1838; d. Mch. 9, 1839.

DCCCIV

804 LEVI, son of (260) Mary Dakin; m. at Claverack,
Sept. 13, 1853, (310) Delia Eliza Best, daughter of (84)
Jeremiah J. Best and Phebe Kipp. Issue:

808 Mary E., b. Aug. 6, 1854; m. Smith B. Van

Hoesen.

809 Aretha A., b. Sept. 2, 1857; m. Nicholas Raeder.

810 Harriet G., b. Dec. 7, 1864; m. Chester A. Drew.

811 Caroline Phebe, b. May 30, 1868; d. Mch. 20,

1870.

DCCCV

805 MARTHA MARIA, daughter of (260) Mary Dakin;
m. Nov. 13, 1850, (293) John J. Best, son of (82) Abraham
Best and Harriet Van Deusen. Issue:

812 Frank D., b. May 6, 1854; m. Nov. 24, 1875,

Catherine Edwards, b. Jan. 15, 1857; re-
sides Fort Plain, N. Y. No issue. He d.
Apr. 5, 1886.

Mrs. Martha M. Best resides Round Lake, N. Y.

BEST GENEALOGY 127

DCCCVI

806 CAROLINE PHEBE, daughter of (260) Mary
Dakin; m. Oct. 5, 1853, Jacob P. Packman, b. Dec. i,
1823; d. Feb. 12, 1880. Both buried at Valatie, N. Y.
Issue :

813 Charles E., b. Jan. i, 1857; m. Anna De Myer.

814 Mary E., b. Jan. 18, 1867; m. Jan. 24, 1894,

Frank B. Smith, b. Oct. 3, 1870. No issue.
Resides South Schodack, N. Y.

DCCCXIII

813 Charles E., son of (806) Caroline P. Packman;
m. Dec. 4, 1878, Anna De Myer, daughter of Albert De
Myer, b. Dec. 12, 1859, and had:

815 Caroline M., b. Aug. 8, 1880.

816 J. Jay, b. Apr. 27, 1885.

DCCCVIII

808 MARY E., daughter of (804) Levi Dakin; m.
Oct. 4, 1882, Smith B. Van Hoesen, b. Feb. 8, 1857. Re-
sides Niverville. Issue:

817 Mabel Delia, b. Aug. 6, 1883.

818 Howard Levi, b. Jan. 26, 1887.

DCCCIX

809 ARETHA A., daughter of (804) Levi Dakin; m.
Nov. 17, 1875, Nicholas Raeder, b. Dec. 29, 1847. Resides
Niverville. Issue:

819 Le Roy Dakin, b. Dec. 30, 1856; m. Apr. 16,

1900, Elizabeth Anna Bradley. Resides White
Plains, N. Y.

128 BEST GENEALOGY

DCCCX

8io HARRIET G., daughter of (804) Levi Dakin; m.
Dec. 27, 1892, Chester A. Drew, b. Mch. 12, 1867; d. Jan.
19, 1897. Widow resides Niverville. Issue:

820 Warren S., b. July 5, 1895; d. Dec. 25, 1895.

CCLXII

262 JOHN MESICK, son of (77) Peter I. Best; m.
1835, at Claverack, AUda Vosburgh, daughter of Samuel
Vosburgh and Sarah Herder, b. Feb. 2, 181 2; d. Mch.
30, 1867. Both buried at Kinderhook. Issue:

821 Mary Mesick, b. Jan. 16, 1836; m. ist, Sept.

3, 1861, Joseph W. Smith, M.D., b. May 3,
1834; d. Apr. 21, 1864; m. 2nd, Nov. 20, 1866,
Edward Grove Miner, b. 1833; ^- J^iis

13, 1872. No issue. Buried at Kinderhook.
She d. July 14, 1868.
821a Catherine Alida, b. Aug. 27, 1837; d. Mch.
25, 1858. Single.

CCLXIII

263 EPHRAIM PETER, son of (77) Peter I. Best; m.
1840, Sophia Vosburgh, daughter of Samuel Vosburgh,
and a sister of Alida, who m. (262) John M. Best, b. Apr.
II, 1 814; d. Oct. 29, 1883. Both bur. Kinderhook. Issue:

822 Sarah Elizabeth, b. June 3, 1841; m. George

E. Benson, M.D.

823 John, b. June 20, 1843; ^- Nov. 14, 1849.

824 Peter I., b. Dec. 27, 1845; ^i- Martha O.

Merwin; d. 1890.

825 Charles Elmore, b. Nov. 28, 1852; d. Sept.

29, i86i.

BEST GENEALOGY 129

Ephraim P. Best spent his boyhood days on a large farm,
situate about one quarter of a mile south of the "Widow
Mary Livingston " place in the Town of Livingston. When
about ten years of age his father purchased the Peter Bain
farm in Klinekill, which was on the road leading from
Valatie to Chatham. After living here a few years his
father purchased a farm of nearly four hundred acres of
land situate about one mile north of the village of Kinder-
hook, where he resided until his death, in 1846, in his
seventieth year. The subject of our sketch married here,
in 1840, Sophia Vosburgh, and had, as a wedding present
from his father, six slaves, which he refused to accept.
Owing to his father's declining health, which shortly
resulted in his death, he assumed control of the farm,
and the varied interests of his father which devolved upon
him. In 1870, he turned over the farm to his son, (824)
Peter L, and moved to Kinderhook, where he spent his
remaining years in looking after his farm investments.
He contributed largely of his means and strength to the
upbuilding of the community and church in which he
was interested. He held a lease, in consideration of one
hundred dollars, paid to the Minister, Elders, and Deacons
of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church of Kinderhook,
by him, to the full "enjoyment and use, for himself, his
heirs and assigns, of one half of pew, No. 30, in the Brick
Church, owned by the said Minister, Elders and Deacons,
situate in the Village of Kinderhook, so long as the said
Brick Church shall remain in the occupation and for the
use of the said Minister, Elders and Deacons, " subject,
however, to assessments for repairs, salary, and an annual
rent of ten per cent, on the valuation of said pew, which
may be increased at will to equalize the value of the pew;
also subject to current expenses, the aggregate sum of
which the Pew-owners shall from time to time in writing
assent to. In case of forfeit for non-payment of rent or
assessments, after six months the pew may be sold at

130 BEST GENEALOGY

auction, upon due notice posted on the front door of the
Church. This certificate is dated the 23rd day of Oct.,
1 85 1, and given under the hand of the minister and the
corporate seal of the Church. This church organization
is one of the oldest in the State, dating prior to 1685, at
which time, in the records of Albany, mention is first
made of sending material (nails) for repairs to the Church
at Kinderhook (see Van Deusen Genealogy, p. 15).
As forms, like customs, change but slightly through the
years, in small communities, this form or a similar one for
the sale and renting of pews may have been employed
very much earlier, even dating back to the organization
of the Church. A very entertaining history of this old
Dutch Church, which should be in every library, has been
written by the Rev. Dr. E. A. Collier, for nearly half a
century pastor of the congregation. A recent book of local
history deplores the extravagance of modern entertain-
ments. With flying machines and motor cars " de earth
do move"; and the simple pastimes of our forefathers, in
which dancing and "general training" on the "commons"
were the chief amusements, and gingerbread and hard
cider the rewards for proficiency, pale, indeed, to insig-
nificance. Of these "training bands" there was one at
Kinderhook, known as the " Columbia Blues, " at-
tached to the 56th Regiment, N. Y. S. Infantry, and
captained by John W. Pitts, who certified, under date of
Oct. 19, 1827, in a time-worn slip of paper, now in my
possession, that Ephraim P. Best (then 17 years of age)
had regularly enlisted, was completely equipped and
uniformed, and was then a member of the company of
Light Infantry under his command. The old Homestead,
at which the author has spent many a delightful hour,
with its vast extent of rolling country and primeval forests,
about the last to feel the touch of the woodman's ruthless
axe, is beautifully situated in a grove of ancient pines. The
house, set back some distance from the road, is equipped

BEST GENEALOGY 131

with modern and necessary appliances usually desired in a
comfortable country home of the period. It is now occupied
by the widow and the four children of (824) Peter I. Best,
who, at "Besthurst," dispense charming hospitality to
their many friends.

The obituary of Ephraim P. Best, composed by his
friend, " G. S. C," is as follows : " By the decease of Ephraim
P. Best, Feb. 9, 1884, at the advanced age of seventy-four
years, the community loses one of its most widely known
citizens.

" As all who knew him will remember, he was unpre-
tending in dress, frank in speech, with no dissembling,
sagacious, self-reliant, ever attentive to the duty in hand,
active to the last, wise in counsel, and a steadfast friend.

" At his decease he was one of the very oldest in mem-
bership of the Reformed Church of this village (Kinder-
hook). For many years he was a director of the National
Bank of Kinder hook. In the relations of life he was
distinguished for great practical common sense, sound
judgment, and conservative action. Few were admitted
unreservedly to his confidence, but in those who enjoyed
that confidence he reposed implicit trust. His recollections
of past events were exceedingly accurate, his knowledge
of human nature extensive, and his observations on men
and affairs shrewd, wise, and seasoned with a quaint humor
peculiarly his own. The secret of his success was his
practicality, directness in doing or dealing, and thorough
devotedness to the work in hand. In all business trans-
actions he was precise, methodical, and attentive to minutest
details; yet, under rather an austere exterior, he carried a
kindly heart, in manifold ways doing innumerable quiet
and unsuspected acts of generosity and kindness. He
was ever ready to assist those who seemed willing to help
themselves. He scorned all hypocrisy, cant, and sham.
He valued men as they were and not as they professed to
be. He was a man of great force of will, clear and strong

132 BEST GENEALOGY

convictions, inflexible honesty, and incorruptible integrity.
Perhaps none, now living in this vicinity, preserved the
republican simplicity of life of generations ago so fully as
he. He was most happy amid scenes of rural peace and
quietness. His beautiful farm he loved with almost
paternal fondness; its broad acres of meadow and plow-
land; its forests of primeval growth; almost as untouched
as in his father's day of sixty years ago, were his unceasing
pride and delight, where he seemed to reverently commune
with nature, or with some brooding spirit of restful peace
and calm.

"Clinging indeed to life, he was nevertheless ready for
the summons: 'The Master calleth thee.' With indescrib-
able pathos, shortly before his decease, in response to a
greeting, he said 'I am at the lowest ebb,' and now he too
' has gone out with the tide.' Farewell, true-hearted and
constant friend."

DCCCXXII

822 SARAH ELIZABETH, daughter of (263) Ephraim
P. Best; m. June 3, 1863, George Ellsworth Benson, M.D.,
b. May 7, 1829; d. May 30, 1896, and had:

826 Edward Ellsworth, b. Sept. 19, 1864.

827 Charles Best, b. July 11, 1866; m. Maude S.

Mesick.

George E. Benson was born at Greenwich, Washington
Co., N. Y., the third child of Joseph and Maria (Miller)
Benson. After acquiring a public school education in his
native town, he entered the Albany Academy, which, after
two years, he left to take a course at the Albany Medical,
from which he later graduated. After acquiring an educa-
tion, largely through his own efforts, as his parents were
unable to assist him, financially, to any extent, he left home
with a horse and carriage, a small sum of money, and a

GEORGE E. BENSON, M.D.

BEST GENEALOGY 133

bountiful supply of good wishes from his boyhood friends.
He opened an office at Valatie, N. Y., where he married,
and practised his profession for eighteen years. Seeking a
larger field and surcease from the long drives, necessitated
by country practice, which called him from one end of
the county to the other, and made him a familiar figure to
the country side when on horseback, or seated in a tall two-
wheeled gig with his saddle bags strapped up behind, he
moved to Hudson, N. Y., where he practised medicine
and surgery for seventeen years, with success, when he sold
his equipment and practice to Dr. O. H. Bradley, who had
been a student in his office, and devoted himself to travel
and congenial pursuits with such strength as remained to
him. He died at his home in Hudson, after a protracted
and painful illness. May 30, 1896, and is interred in Cedar
Park Cemetery. His indomitable will and perseverance
came to him, in nature's course, from a long line of fighting
stock. His father was in the War of 181 2, enlisting as a
drummer boy, at the age of 12, and serving at Clinton and
other points on the border. His grandfather, Bildad, served
in the Revolutionary War, as corporal in the Albany
County Militia, 13th Regt., Col. John McCrea. " N. Y. in
the Revo.," p. 122. His great-grandfather, Jacob, fought
with Gen. Stark, at the battle of Saratoga, and in the distri-
bution of Bounty Rights, he was assigned to the 13th Regt.,
Albany County Militia, in a Co. captained by Peter Van
Vort, and served through the war. "N. Y. in the Revo.,"
p. 234. His mother was born in the town of Claverack,
and her ancestors participated in the War of Independence.
The subject of our sketch traces his descent to an ancestor
who came from England, and settled at Providence, R. I.,
about 1650, one of whose descendants fought in King
Philip's War.

The obituary of Dr. George E. Benson, published in a
local paper, has been added to and changed in a few minor
particulars, to elucidate the text, but is quoted as though

134 BEST GENEALOGY

such changes had not been made: "Sunday morning the
sad news was made known that late Saturday night the
venerable and widely beloved Dr. George E. Benson had
passed away at his residence, No. 306 Warren Street.

" Dr. Benson, who was in his 68th year, was a graduate
of the Albany Medical College, preparing for the course
under the celebrated practitioners and surgeons, Drs.
March and Armsby, of Albany. On leaving college he
practised in Valatie, for eighteen years, from which place
he came to Hudson to take the place of the well known and
skillful surgeon, Dr. Pitcher. After coming to Hudson he
made several extended European tours in which he rein-
forced his education and experience by study in hospitals
and clinics of London, Paris, and Dresden; and the specialty
for which he fitted himself so thoroughly, brought him,
ultimately, a surgical practice which extended over Colum-
bia and several of the adjacent counties. The Doctor's
modesty kept him from mingling to any great extent in
society; but there are hundreds of homes and thousands of
hearts in which the memory of the humane and tender
hearted gentleman and the sympathetic and skillful physi-
cian will be cherished most lovingly. The Doctor had little
time for the discharge of public duties, the only office he
ever held being that of Health Officer for the city of Hudson ;
but he had time to devote to the advancement of his pro-
fession, and was a prominent member of the Columbia
County Medical Society, and its President in 1882; and a
life member of the State Medical Society before whose
members he frequently appeared with interesting cases
for their edification. Upon the incorporation of the Hud-
son City Hospital, March 7, 1889, he was chosen a member
of the first Board of Trustees, and was elected its first
President, at a meeting of the Board, held December 17,
1889. Seven years ago, on account of failing health, he
retired from active practice; and has, up to within a few
weeks ago, enjoyed perfectly his well earned immunity

BEST GENEALOGY 135

from the cares of his thirty years' toil in noble but exhaust-
ing labor."

As the author will probably never undertake another
work of this character, and intends to distribute this book,
which will be very limited in number, in the city and
county where Dr. Benson labored for many years, it has
been thought, not inappropriate, but of added interest,
to insert herein his photograph, which was taken before
his marriage, and is, indeed, the only one possessed by his
family, but which portrays a fair resemblance.

DCCCXXIV

824 PETER I., son of (263) Ephraim P. Best; m. Jan.
26, 1870, Martha 0. Merwin, and had:

828 Lillian Maria, b. ; m. Isaac V. A. Waite.

829 Bernie E., b. Dec. 21, 1870; d. Aug. 15, 1871.

830 Viola, b. Dec. 29, 1877; d. Apr. 30, 1878.

831 Burdella,

832 Celestia,

833 Ernest,

834 Daisy,

DCCCXXVIII

828 LILLIAN MARIA, daughter of (824) Peter I.
Best; m. Dec. 20, 1893, Isaac Van Allen Waite, and had:

835 Horace,

836 Harold,

837 Lillian,

838 Margaret,

839 William,

Resides St. Louis, Mo.

136 BEST GENEALOGY

DCCCXXVII

827 CHARLES BEST, son of (822) Sarah E. Benson;
m. Oct. 9, 1901, Maude S. Mesick, b. Aug. 13, 1880. Issue:

840 Charles Best, b. Apr. 11, 1903.

841 John Mesick, b. Aug. 10, 1905.

Following the practice which I find is almost universal —
and I would not deviate therefrom — in books of this kind,
as on the stage, where the author or playwright appears
therein, it is now in order and on the card that the author,
after introducing, seriatim, with fulsome, but I trust
truthful, words and phrases, the various personages in this
compilation, should speak with modesty somewhat of
himself. It may be taken for granted that every one, with
some leisure, has a hobby, or should have; with some it
is the pursuit of sport or animals, the buying of paintings
and fine bindings; with others less elevating pastimes.
Genealogical research has interested me for many years,
and, like most diversions, has produced little profit, but
much pleasure. In the search for data I have found it
necessary to ally myself with a number of societies, having
the same objects in view, The New York Genealogical and
Biographical Society, The New York Historical Society,
and others with like aims. With this brief apology for
inflicting another genealogical work upon the innocent
but long suffering public, let us pray: " Requiescat in pace"
upon the dusty shelves.

CCLXV

265 HARMON, son of (78) Henry J. Best; m. Nov. 17,
1836, Sarah Eleanor Groat, at Centreville, by Rev. J.
Berger. She was b. Apr. 8, 181 5; d. June 4, 1865. Issue:

842 Lysander T., b. Mch. 8, 1840; m. Deborah W.

Seaman; d. Mch. i, 1891.

%^

^

CHARLES li. BENSON

BEST GENEALOGY 137

Harmon Best, in 1835, was Town Clerk of the Town of
Livingston; shortly afterwards moving to Mellenville,
where he became known as one of the pioneer merchants
of that village, and was chosen Postmaster in 1840.

DCCCXLII

842 LYSANDER T., son of (265) Harmon Best; m.
Mch. 8, 1863, Deborah W. Seaman, b. Aug. 5, 1840, and
had:

843 Sarah E., b. June 15, 1865; m. Sol. Sayles; d.

Jan. 3, 1900.

844 Clara T., b. June 8, 1872; d. Jan 27, 1876.

845 Walter M., b. Jan. 27, 1875. Resides No. 589^

Larimore St., Brooklyn, N. Y.

DCCCXLIII

843 SARAH E., daughter of (842) Lysander T. Best;
m. June i, 1887, Sol. Sayles. Issue:

846 Sol. B., b. Apr. 6, 1888.

CCLXVI

266 JOHN, son of (78) Henry J. Best; m. 1841,

Ann Maria Cooper, and had:

847 Norman, b. Sept. 4, 1842 ; m. Annette Waterman.

848 Mary C, b. Feb. 14, 1844; m. (1109) Jeremiah I.

Best, son of (311) Peter K. Best and Jane
Esselstyn.

849 Henry J., b. Oct. 20, 1845. Single.

John Best resided at Best, Rens. Co., N. Y.

138 BEST GENEALOGY

DCCCXLVII

847 NORMAN, son of (266) John Best; m. Nov. 17,
1869, Annette Waterman, b. June 14, 1847; d. Mch. 5,
1877. Issue:

850 Charles A., b. Sept. 29, 1870.

851 Jenny E., b. Sept. 16, 1871; m. Sept. 12, 1894,

Elbert Visscher; d. Aug. 4, 1895. No issue.

852 Merritt E., b. Jan. 24, 1876.

853 Lillian A., b. Mch. 5, 1877; m. John Osterhout,

M.D.

Norman Best resides Watervliet, N. Y.

DCCCXLVIII

848 MARY C, daughter of (266) John Best; m. Dec.
6, 1866, (1109) Jeremiah I. Best, son of (311) Peter K.
Best, and had:

854 Anna M., b. Jan. 6, 1869; m. Seward P. Cipperly.

855 Howard I., b. Mch. i, 1871.

856 Grace, b. Dec. 23, 1876; d. Jan. 20, 1877.

857 Laura M., b. May 17, 1880.

858 Everett E., b. Sept. 25, 1882.

Jeremiah Best resides Brookview, Rens. Co., N. Y.

DCCCLIII

853 LILLIAN A., daughter of (847) Norman Best;
m. Nov. 16, 1898, John Osterhout, M.D., b. Nov. 3, 1875,
and had:

859 Ira J., b. Aug. 3, 1899.

Dr. Osterhout resides at Gilsum, New Hampshire.

BEST GENEALOGY 139

DCCCLIV

854 ANNA M., daughter of (848) Mary C. Best; m.
Apr. 24, 1895, Seward P. Cipperly. Issue:

860 Clara A., b. May 20, 1897.

Seward P. Cipperly resides at Brunswick, Rens. Co., N. Y.

CCLXVII

267 SARAH M., daughter of (78) Henry J. Best; m.
Apr. 19, 1836, John C. Karner, b. Jan. 6, 1805; d. Feb. 19,
1893. Issue:

861 Mary, b. Aug. 21, 1837.

862 John H., b. Sept. 16, 1841; d. June 15, 1842.

863 Cornelia, b. July 25, 1843; d- Apr. 10, 1890.

864 Sarah C, b. Jan. 16, 1849; d. Apr. 27, 1850.

John C. Karner resided at Karners, Rens. Co., N. Y. The
place derived its name from him.

CCLXVIII

268 ELEANOR C, daughter of (78) Henry J. Best;
m. June, 1842, Philip J. Lown, b. Jan. 27, 1818, and had:

865 David H., b. Mch. 4, 1843.

866 EuREATHA D., b. Mch. I, 1844.

867 Sarah M., b. Feb. 12, 1846.

868 Marcus M., b. Aug. 24, 1850; m. May Traver.

Philip J. Lown resided at West Sand Lake, Rens. Co.

DCCCLXVIII

868 MARCUS M., son of (268) Eleanor C. Lown; m.
Jan. 19, 1878, May Traver, b. Mch. 9, 1853. Issue:

140 BEST GENEALOGY

869 Philip A., b. Nov. 16, 1878.

870 Elizabeth E., b. Aug. 14, 1892.

Dr. M. M. Lown resides Rhinebeck, N. Y.

CCLXIX

269 JACOB H., son of (78) Henry J. Best; m. ist,
June 20, 1842, Elizabeth Kimball, b. Jan. i, 1823, d. Apr.
14, 1863; and had:

871 Wilson I., b. Mch. 27, 1852. Single. Resides

N. Y. City.

872 Elizabeth M., b. Oct. 25, 1854. Resides No.

244 Warren St., Boston, Mass.

873 John J., b. Apr. 28, i860. Resides Boston,

Mass.

M. 2nd, Catherine Snyder, and had:

874 Edward De Forest, 1870; m.

M. 3rd, Apr. 1878, Frances Amanda Reid, and had:

875 Carolyn, b. May 16, 1879.

876 Frederick, b. Jan. 16, 1881.

877 Paul, b. Oct. 2, 1882.

Jacob H. Best was living, in 1900, at Meridian, Miss.

DCCCLXXIV

874 EDWARD DE FOREST, son of (269) Jacob H.
Best; m. a San Francisco lady, and resides in California.
Had two sons whose names, after diligent inquiry, I have
been unable to obtain:

878
879

BEST GENEALOGY 141

CCLXX

270 MARGARET CHRISTINA, daughter of (80)
Ephraim Best; m. Sept. 20, 1832, Edward Isaac Eno, son
of Steven Eno, of Pine Plains, Dutchess Co., N. Y., b. Dec.
29, 1806, and had:

880 Augusta, b. ; m. Edward Taylor; d.

Dec. 16, 1889. No issue.

881 Frank, b. ; d.

882 Edward Best, b. ; m. Matilda Bates; d.

Jan. 2, 1889.

883 Henry, b. ; killed in the Civil War.

Edward I. Eno, who was only eight months old when
his mother died, when a young man moved to Kinderhook,
N. Y., where he married. He was a merchant for some
years in Illinois. Finally settled in St. Louis, Missouri,
where he died. All of his sons served in the Civil War.
Henry died in the war. Edward B. and Frank both rose
to the rank of Major, in the Missouri State Militia. Edward
B. was commissioned Major May 8, 1862, in the 8th Regt.
of cavalry, to rank from said date.

DCCCLXXXII

882 EDWARD BEST, son of (270) Margaret C. Eno;
m. Matilda Bates, daughter of Atty. Genl. Bates, of

Missouri. Widow resides at No. 3874 Washington Ave.,
St. Louis, Mo. Issue:

884 Christina, b. May 6, 1870; m. George B. Comp-

ton.

885 Edward Bates, b. July 3, 1871.

886 Julia Coalter, b. Dec. 21, 1878.

887 Matilda Bates, b. May 19, 1879.

142 BEST GENEALOGY

Edward B. Eno became prominent in State and national
affairs. He rose to the rank of Major in the Civil War;
served on President Lincoln's Staff; and became Governor
of Missouri.

DCCCLXXXIV

884 CHRISTINA, daughter of (882) Edward B. Eno;
m. Nov. 7, 1893, George Britton Compton. Resides No. 6
West 102nd St., N. Y. City. Issue:

888 CoALTER Bates, b. June 27, 1895.

889 Eno, b. Feb. 23, 1898.

CCLXXI

271 ELI, son of (80) Ephraim Best; m. Sept. 18, 1834,
Catherine Harder, b. May 18, 18 16. Both bur. Kinderhook.
Issue :

890 Mary Elizabeth, b. Feb. 18, 1836; m. William

T. King.

891 Anna Catherine, b. Jan. 8, 1858; m. ist,

Isaac E. Sharp; m. 2nd, George Feries; m. 3rd,
George Davenport.

892 John Harder, b. July 11, 1841; m. Lydia Bo-

right.

893 Richard James, b. July 18, 1843; m. Mary

O. Butler.

894 Edward Payson, b. Mch. 30, 1845; m. Mary E.

Wait.

895 Jenny Lee, b. Sept. 3, 1850; m. Theodore Knapp.

DCCCXC

890 MARY ELIZABETH, daughter of (271) Eli Best;
m. Jan. 6, 1858, William T. King, b. Jan. 3, 1827; d. Dec.
30, 1897. Resides Saratoga, Cal. Issue:

BEST GENEALOGY 143

896 Charles A., b. Oct. 3, 1858; m. Lillian McAl-

lister.

897 Alice B., b. June 12, 1862; m. William H. Blank.

898 Anna S., b. Apr. 11, 1864; m. Frank E. Potter.

DCCCXCVI

896 CHARLES A., son of (890) Mary E. King; m.
Aug. 10, 1898, Lillian McAllister, b. June 18, 1874. Issue:

899 Deborah, b. May 23, 1899.

DCCCXCVII

897 ALICE B., daughter of (890) Mary E. King; m.
July 1893, William H. Blank, b. June 20, 1861, and had:

900 Clarence H., b. Mch. 17, 1897.

DCCCXCVIII

898 ANNA S., daughter of (890) Mary E. King; m.
Sept. 21, 1887, Frank E. Potter, b. Aug. 23, 1864. Issue:

901 Alice W., b. Mch. 17, 1897.

DCCCXCI

891 ANNA CATHERINE, daughter of (271) Eli Best;
m. ist, Apr. 16, 1861, Isaac E. Sharp, b. Mch. 14, 1827,
d. Aug., 1869; and had:

902 Carrie Best, b. Mch. 25, 1867; m. Nov. 3, 1887,

Walter H. Belknap. Resides Hornellsville,
N. Y. No issue.

M. 2nd, George Feries, and had:

903 George L., b. June 11, 1875.

M. 3rd, George Davenport. No issue.

144 BEST GENEALOGY

DCCCXCII

892 JOHN HARDER, son of (271) Eli Best; m. June
1866, Lydia Boright and had:

904 Leigh, b. Nov. 4, 1867; m. Oct. 18, 1899, Helen

Eliza Sweet, b. Feb. 6, 1870. Resides No.
170 West 171st St., N. Y. City.

905 Frederick E., b. Nov. 21, 1869.

906 Henry Morris, b. Jan. 4, 1874.

907 John Tobey, b. Feb. 14, 1876.

908 Katherine Eunice, b. Oct. 10, 1881.

John Harder Best was a resident of Chatham, where
his children were born, some of whom still reside there. His
son (904) Leigh, pronounced " Lee, " acquired his education
at the public schools of Chatham. After his graduation he
went to New York City where he obtained a position on
the clerical force of the New York Central Railroad, at
the Grand Central Station. By close application and
marked ability in the performance of his duties he soon
came under the notice of President S. R. Callaway, who
made him his private secretary. With the completion
of the executive staff of the American Locomotive Com-
pany, of which S. R. Callaway was chosen president, Leigh
Best was elected secretary and assistant to the president.
He was warmly urged by President Newman, the successor
of Callaway in the Central, to retain his old position, but
Mr. Callaway was able to offer him a broader field of action.
He is now vice-president of the American Locomotive
Company, one of the largest aggregations of capital in the
country. We may point with pride to another son of old
Columbia.

DCCCXCIII

893 RICHARD JAMES, son of (271) Eli Best; m. Feb.

BEST GENEALOGY 145

lo, 1875, Mary Ora Butler, b. Aug. 17, 1853. Resides No.
75 West 34th St., Bayonne, N. J. Issue:

909 Edythe M., b. Dec. 12, 1875; m. Frederick

A. MacMaster.

910 Royal G., b. Aug. 12, 1878.

911 Frank E., b. Feb. 8, 1884.

CMIX

909 EDYTHE M., daughter of (893) Richard J. Best;
m. Jan. 16, 1899, Frederick A. MacMaster, b. July 7, 1875.
Resides Bayonne, N. J. Issue.

912 Wallace B., b. Oct. 2, 1899; d. Mch. 2, 1900.

DCCCXCIV

894 EDWARD PAYSON, son of (271) Eli Best; m.
Sept. 9, 1874, Mary Emma Wait, and had:

913 j Nellie Emma, b. Dec. 9, 1875 ; d. Dec. 24, 1881.

914 I Edward Leon, b. Dec. 9, 1875.

915 George Wait, b. Feb. 22, 1877.

DCCCXCV

895 JENNY LEE, daughter of (271) Eli Best; m. Jan.
3, 1872, Theodore Knapp, b. Sept 3, 1837; d. May 17, 1898.
Resides Chatham, N. Y. Issue:

916 Nellie Emma, b. Aug. 13, 1873.

CCLXXII

272 JAMES, son of (80) Ephraim Best; m. 1852,

Mary A. Chubb. Bur. Chatham, N. Y. Issue:

917 Arthur James, b. Aug. 26, 1854; m. Helen M.

Stearns; d. Oct. 11, 1894.

146 BEST GENEALOGY

918 Emma Louise, b. Apr. 11, 1857; m. Henry D.

Haven.

919 George Bethune, b. Dec. 25, 1859; m. Kate

L. Dana.

920 James B., b. Mch. 31, 1864; m. Gertrude Delprat.

James Best spent his early years in the Town of Johns-
town, on his father's farm. We find in the minutes of the
Church there that he had removed from the bounds of the
congregation, Aug. 11, 1838, and that Peter Potts was
elected Deacon of the Church in his stead. On Oct. 4, 1840,
retaining his membership in the Church, he was appointed
Delegate to attend the regular meeting of the classis to be
held at Glenham, on the 27th inst. He had been twice
Elder of the Church. He removed to Chatham, where he
married, and spent the remaining years of his life.

CMXVII

917 ARTHUR JAMES, son of (272) James Best; m.
Jan. 15, 1 88 1, at Chatham, Helen May Stearns. Resides
Chatham, Issue:

921 FuRBER Franklin, b. May 7, 1882.

922 Doris W., b. Nov. 11, 1884.

923 Agnew, b. July 19, 1894.

CMXVIII

918 EMMA LOUISE, daughter of (272) James Best; m.
Feb. 5, 1884, Henry Dwight Haven, b. Oct. 8, 1852. Re-
sides Plainfield, N. J. Issue:

924 Winifred, b. Mch. 20, 1885.

925 Eloise, b. Dec. 29, 1887.

926 Alice, b. Apr. 21, 1888.

BEST GENEALOGY 147

CMXIX

919 GEORGE BETHUNE, M.D., son of (272) James
Best; m. Dec. 3, 1889, Kate Louise Dana. Resides No.
34 Church St., Englewood, N. J. Issue:

927 Katherine Haven, b. Oct. 29, 1890; d. June

12, 1891.

928 Marjorie Dana, b. Nov. 24, 1891.

929 Helen Crittenden, b. May 29, 1893.

930 George Bethune, b. Mch. 29, 1898.

CMXX

920 JAMES B., son of (272) James Best; m. Oct. 30,
1890, Gertrude Delprat, and had two children, who d.
in infancy:

931 , b. d. y.

932 , b. d. y.

James Best resides at Everett, Wash. When very young,
his parents having passed away, he went to live with his
aunts, the Misses Best, at Kinderhook, where he attended
the Academy, from which he graduated at a very early age.
As a youth he had shown great aptitude for languages and
literature; and, after receiving his degree at college, he
decided to devote his career to literary pursuits. He first
assumed the management of a newspaper at Spokane,
Wash., which he conducted for some years with great
success. He afterwards moved to Tacoma to take the
entire charge of and edit the principal newspaper of that
city, in which he was also financially interested. His
business ventures, added to his newspaper work, have
brought him wealth and prestige, so that, to-day, his name
is well known in that part of the West. The " Best Block,"
one of the largest stone and brick buildings in Tacoma,
is one of the monuments to his enterprise. He resides in a

148 BEST GENEALOGY

beautiful home at Everett, is somewhat interested in
society, but devotedly attached to his newspaper enter-
prises, from which he would be loth to part, as by them
he has made his calling and election sure.

CCLXXIII

273 JARED, son of (80) Ephraim Best; m. Dec. 21,
1854, Malinda Holmes Paul, b. Mch. 20, 1835, and had:

933 Lizzie Augusta, b. June 28, 1856.

934 Willis James, b. Sept. 14, 1858; m. June 10,

190?, Mrs. Sally Robinson Creighton, sister of
Alfred Judson Robinson, of Bangor, Maine.
She had a daughter, Dorothy, who has taken
the name of Best.

935 Lucius Ephraim, b. Nov. 20, 1863.

936 Jared Frank, b. Nov. 4, 1865; d. July 4, 1890.

937 Marie Louise, b. July 8, 1873.

Jared Best in his early days was actively engaged in the
manufacture of paper near Chatham Village. In 1840 he
was conducting a mercantile business there. Upon the
incorporation and construction of the Masonic Building he
was chosen its first vice-president. He w^as tall and
dignified of stature, and affable and genial in business and
social relations. He passed away, suddenly, while super-
intending the work of the farm, in which he was actively
interested to the last, at his beautiful home, " Highland
Farms," near Chatham Village, at the advanced age of
eighty-five years. His son (936) Jared Frank, better
known as Frank, to distinguish him from his father, early
moved to Mobile, Alabama, where he engaged in the
lumber industry, and, at the time of his death, had acquired
the reputation of being one of the most expert judges of
lumber in the South. He died at his home in Mobile, of
a fever indigenous to the South, at the early age of thirty-

BEST GENEALOGY 149

five years, and his remains were interred in the Rural
Cemetery at Chatham. (934) Willis James attended
the public schools at Chatham, after which he entered
Eastman's Business College, at Poughkeepsie. After
graduation he accepted a clerical position in a bank at
Chatham, which he held for a year, when he went to Forest
City, Iowa, and served in the same capacity in a bank in
that city. Following this be engaged in the railroad
business at Chicago, which occupied him for two years,
when he went to Denver and continued in the same busi-
ness for two and a half years. He is now interested in
ocean transportation, and largely in mining and smelting
industries in Mexico. Is president of one of the largest
copper mines in New Mexico. Is vice-president and
director of one of the coast lines of steamships plying
between New York and Mexican ports. Has been vice-
president and is now a director of the City Club, one of the
wealthiest clubs in New York City. He spends most of
his leisure time on his estate, "Highland Farms," situate
about two miles north of Chatham Village, where, in the
breeding of Guernsey cattle and fine horses, he finds his
chief delight. The house, placed on an eminence com-
manding a wide extent of view, has been elaborately dec-
orated by well known artists, and is amply equipped for
the entertainment of city guests, where, in season, they
find the essentials of a city home combined with the pleasures
of outdoor life. Office address, No. 27 William St., N. Y.
City.

CCLXXIV

274 RICHARD, son of (80) Ephraim Best; m. 1843,
Eliza Wright, and had :

938 Walter Joseph, b. ; m.

939 Richard J., b.

150 BEST GENEALOGY

CMXXXVIII

938 WALTER JOSEPH, son of (274) Richard Best;
m.; about 25 years ago, resided in Brooklyn; had two
children :

940
941

CCLXXV

275 JOHN ELI, son of (80) Ephraim Best; m. Dec.
14, 1858, Maria H. Cook, b. June 22, 1830. Issue:

942 , d. y., unnamed.

943 Ephraim Ira, b. July 5, 1861; d. Nov. 4, 1863,

944 Cyrus Williams, b. Apr. 22, 1865; m. June 20.

1900, Frances McCracken.

945 John Eli, b. Dec. 6, 1866; m. June 10, 1891,

May Roblin. Resides Chicago, 111. No issue.

946 Mary Abbie, b. Sept. 28, 1875; d. July 3, 1877.

(944) Cyrus W. Best, in his youth, showed marked mu-
sical talent, which his parents deemed wise to develop. As
a composer and pianist he has been eminently successful
in his chosen profession. After graduating from the Oberlin
(Ohio) Conservatory of Music, in 1890, he went from there
directly to Leipzig, Germany, where he studied, for three
years, at that famous Conservatory of Music, with the well
known teacher, Herr Prof. Martin Krause, the great
European musical critic. In 1895 he went abroad again
for further travel and study. He has had several years'
experience in successfully managing large conservatories,
and for some years conducted the C. W. Best Concert
Company. The Chicago "Journal of Fine Arts" says this of
him: " In few cities of America are there as many talented
performers on the pianoforte as in Chicago, and among

BEST GENEALOGY 151

these C. W. Best stands out prominently as a soloist."
For some years he was the director of the Kankakee (Illi-
nois) Conservatory of Music, and a teacher of piano, pipe
organ, theory, and musical history, with over two hundred
students in attendance, in 1900. Receiving offers of larger
remuneration and greater scope for his activities, he ac-
cepted, in 1902, the directorship of the Waynesburg College
Conservatory of Music, at Waynesburg, Pa., where he is
now located. His wife, Frances McCracken Best, is also an
excellent musician, and teacher of harp and piano. She
was a pupil of the celebrated harpist, Mrs. Clara Murray,
and the eminent Danish pianist, Mr. August Hyllested. She
has been a most successful teacher in every way, as well as
a concert performer.

CCLXXIX

279 AMBROSE SPENCER, son of (80) Ephraim
Best; m. Apr. 2, 1861, Amelia Ann Reed, She d. Mch. 14,
1888. Issue.

947 Minnie Ida, b. Mch. 12, 1862; d. Nov. 14, 1892.

948 Abbie Merinda, b. Sept. 15, 1863; m. Jan. 5,

1897, R. D. Redfern. No issue. Resides
No. 15 West 26th St., N. Y. City.

949 Charles Albert, b. Sept. 6, 1865; m. Feb. 14,,

1900, Sarah Watt. Office No. 77 Murray St.,,
N. Y. City.

CCLXXX

280 CATHERINE ELIZA, daughter of (81) David
Best; m. Dec. 31, 1829, John B. Reynolds, b. Aug. 16, 1806;
d. June 27, 1885. Both bur. at Kinderhook. Issue:

950 John L., b. Sept. 28, 1830; m. Eliza M. Fritts;

d. Jan. I, 1893.

152 BEST GENEALOGY

951 Edwin R., b. Nov. 28, 1834; m. Frances A. Green;

d. Dec. 21, 1872.

952 Thaddeus C. S., b. June 10, 1836; m. (660)

Eveline Reynolds, daughter of (250) Margaret
Reynolds; d. May 30, i8gi.

953 Ellen E., b. Dec. 10, 1837; m. David P. Goold.

954 Margaret E., b. Jan. 21, 1840; m. ist, Loren

H. Goold; m. 2nd, George W. Raughtmaker.

955 Lydia, b. Nov., 1842; d. Mch. 12, 1843.

956 Mary W., b. Mch. 12, 1843.

957 Mary F., b. Feb. 14, 1846; m. ist, Edmund

M. Knapp; 2nd, George Gillet, b. May 17,
1846.

958 Lydia M., b. Oct. 10, 1846; d. May 29, 1857.

CML

950 JOHN L., son of (280) Catherine E. Reynolds;
m. 1856, Eliza M. Fritts, and had:

959 Ada B., b. ; m. Thomas Russell.

Resides Newton, Kansas.

CMLI

951 EDWIN R., son of (280) Catherine E. Reynolds;
m. Apr. 7, 1866, Frances A. Green, b. Feb. 3, 1847; d.
Jan. 9, 1879, and had:

960 Mary E., b. Jan. i, 1867; m. George Wright.

CMLX

960 MARY E., daughter of (951) Edwin R. Rey-
nolds; m. May 31, 1887, George Wright. Resides Valatie.
Issue:

BEST GENEALOGY 153

961 George E., b. Apr. 2, 1888.

962 Ella F., b. Nov. 8, 1889.

963 j May M., b. Dec. 19, 1894; d. Nov. 26, 1895.

964 ( Ray R., b. Dec. 19, 1894; d. Mch. 29, 1896.

CMLII

952 THADDEUS C. S., son of (280) Catherine E.
Reynolds; m. Nov. 27, i860, (660) Eveline Reynolds,
daughter of (250) Margaret Reynolds. Resides Chatham.
Issue:

965 Tilleva, b. Oct. 10, 1861; d. Oct. 24, 1861.

966 William L., b. Jan. 25, 1865; d. Apr. 12, 1886.

967 Margaret, b. Feb. i, 1870; d. May i, 1870.

CMLIII

953 ELLEN E., daughter of (2 80) Catherine E. Reynolds;
m. Feb. 24, 1869, David P. Goold, b. Aug. 29, 1832; d.
Feb. 27, 1892. Resided Hillsdale, Mich. Issue:

968 Nettie M., b. Oct. 13, 1870; m. Feb. 4, 1897,

Henry D. Crandall. Resides Hillsdale, Mich.
No issue.

969 Eliza Lora, b. June 9, 1874; m. Alvondo Carter.

970 David P., b. Aug. 29, 1878.

CMLXIX

969 ELIZA LORA, daughter of (953) Ellen E. Goold;
m. Mch. 29, 1 89 1, Alvondo Carter. Resides Hillsdale,
Mich. Issue:

971 Oscar, b. Nov. 26, 1891.

972 Eva, b. Dec. 21, 1893.

973 Walter H., b. Jan. 13, 1899.

154 BEST GENEALOGY

CMLIV

954 MARGARET E., daughter of (280) Catherine E.
Reynolds; m. ist, Oct. 24, 1867, Loren H. Goold, b. May
21, 1842, d. Sept. II, 1873; and had:

974 BuRDELLA J., b. Sept. 3, 1869; <i- Oct. 10, 1870.

975 John L., b. Apr. 17, 1872; m. Apr. 2, 1900,

Asenath Peterson. Resides Phila., Penn.

M. 2nd, George W. Raughtmaker. Resides Kinderhook.
No issue.

CMLVII

957 MARY F., daughter of (280) Catherine E. Reynolds;
m. ist, Oct. 24, 1867, Edmund M. Knapp, b. Apr. 17,
1833; d. Nov. 29, 1888. Issue:

976 Ella May, b. Oct. 29, 1869; d. Apr. 20, 1870.

M. 2nd, May 3, 1894, George Gillet, b. May 17, 1846.
No issue. Resides Lebanon Spa, N. Y.

CCLXXXII

282 JACOB L., son of (81) David Best; m. May 2, 1844,
by Rev. A. Farr, Emma Angell, b. July 28, 1822, and had:

977 DoRWiN A., b. Nov. 6, 1850; d. May i, 1857.

978 FRANKB.,b. Jan.i, 1853; d. Dec. 15, 1859.

Jacob L. Best was a life-long resident of Chatham, where
he married Emma Angell, a daughter of John Angell, who
is still living there at an advanced age. Mrs. Best, who has
devoted much time to genealogical research, traces her
descent from Sir Francis Drake. At the death of Jacob
L. Best, the following memorial was unanimously adopted
by the official board of the Methodist Episcopal Church of

BEST GENEALOGY 155

which he was a member: "Whereas, our beloved brother
and co-laborer, Jacob L. Best, has been called by that voice
whose summons we must all obey, therefore be it resolved,
that while we bow in humble submission to the will of Him
who doeth all things well, we sincerely feel our loss, ever
bearing in mind his long and useful life among us. In his
official capacity he freely gave of his time and means in the
interest of the church he so much loved; and, when in
health, was always found in attendance upon the devotional
meetings, not only bearing testimony of the goodness of
our Heavenly Father, but at the same time, kindly, but
earnestly urging all to give themselves into His care and
keeping. Resolved, That we tender our heartfelt sympathy
to our sister in this her great affliction, also Resolved,
That in respect to his memory and life work, the above
be spread upon the minutes of the church and a copy of
the same be sent to the family of the deceased brother."

CCLXXXIII

283 MARGARET M., daughter of (8i) David Best;
m. Henry A. Hoysradt, b. 1818; d. Oct. 8, 1884.

Issue :

979 Mary F., b. Dec. 8, 1844; d. Feb. 24, 1864.

980 David Best, b. Aug. 22, 1847; m. Mary Mer win,

sister of Martha O. Merwin, who m. (824)
Peter I. Best. He d. Apr. 7, 1901. Resided
Brooklyn, N. Y.

981 Ellen Jane, b. Feb. 18, 1848; d. Oct. 27, 1848.

Henry A. Hoysradt served as Supervisor of the Town
of Kinderhook, in 1848.

CCLXXXV

285 DAVID, son of (81) David Best; m. Apr. 20, 1858,
Ellen Fitzgerald, b. Sept. 15, 1837; d. Oct. 26, 1885. Issue:

156 BEST GENEALOGY

982 Fannie E., b. June I, 1859.

983 Charles D., b. May 28, 1861; m. Mattie Deyo;

d. Mch. 1895.

984 George M., b. Nov. 7, 1862; m. Oct. 12, 1892,

Ada P. Potts. No issue. Resides No. 128
Union Hall St., Jamaica, Long Island, N. Y.
984a Margaret, b. Mch. 25, 1868.

CMLXXXIII

983 CHARLES D., son of (285) David Best; m. Oct.
9, 1887, Mattie Deyo. Resides No. 85 Clinton Ave., Albany,
N. Y. Issue:

985 Emma C, b. Aug. 12, 1888.

CCLXIX

269 WILLIAM CUSHING, son of (81) David Best; m.
Oct. 9, 1856, Caroline Niver, b. June 10, 1839; d. Apr. 6,
1886. Resides Warren, Mass. P.O. Box 227. Adopted
Ada B., b. Oct. 10, 1869. Has had the following:

986 Caroline, b. Sept. 11, 1857; m. ist, Samuel

K. Van Alstyn; m. 2nd, Nov. 6, 1895, Dennis
Totell. Resides Leominster, Mass. She d.
Nov. 29, 1897.

987 William C, b. Mch. 4, 1859; d. Dec. 23, 1859.

988 Henry N., b. Sept. 27, i860; m. Emma J. Knapp.

989 David, b. Sept. 12, 1863; m. Feb. 14, 1894,

Clara Wentrick, b. Sept. 12, 1853; d. Sept. 11,
1899. No issue. Resides No. 12 Albany St.,
North Albany, N. Y.

990 Phcebe M., b. Sept. 13, 1865; m. F. H. Ashton.

991 Margaret, b. Oct. i, 1867; m. Luther L. Bates.

BEST GENEALOGY 157

CMLXXXVI

986 CAROLINE, daughter of (269) William C. Best;
m. ist, June 18, 1876, Samuel K. Van Alstyn, b. Oct. 17,
1849; d. Apr. 12, 1890, and had:

992 Irving, b. Apr. 10, 1878.

993 Nettie, b. Feb. i, 1880; d. July 2, 1882.

994 Samuel T., b. Oct. 28, 1881.

995 Eva M., b. Dec. 7, 1883.

996 Nelson L., b. Oct. 19, 1886.

997 Maud, b. June 9, 1889.

M. 2nd, Dennis Totell. No issue.
CMLXXXVIII

988 HENRY N., son of (269) William C. Best; m. Dec.
17, 1884, Emma J. Knapp, b. Dec. 6, 1857. Resides Van
Hoesens, Rens. Co., N. Y. Issue:

998 Mabel P., b. Feb. 8, 1889; d. Jan. 16, 1890.

999 Grace L., b. Mch. 13, 1891.
1000 Charles H., b. Apr. 23, 1894.

XM

990 PHCEBE M., daughter of (269) William C. Best;
m. Jan. 2, 1889, F. H. Ashton, b. Dec. 29, 1861, and had:

looi Clarence A., b. Feb. 14, 1890.
1002 Albert J., b. Nov. 7, 1891.

F. H. Ashton resides No. 2415 South 17th St., Omaha,
Neb.

XMI

991 MARGARET, daughter of (269) William C. Best;
m. July 14, 1880, Luther L. Bates, b. June 15, 1863. Issue:

158 BEST GENEALOGY

1003 Nellie Blanche, b. May 10, 1883; d. July 8,

1883.

1004 Stella May, b. July 5, 1885.

1005 David Ray, b. Oct. 21, 1893.

1006 Maudie Ethlowene, b. Sept. 12, 1897.

Luther L. Bates resides Bassett, Rock Co., Neb.

ccxc

290 CHRISTINA, daughter of (82) Abraham Best; m.
Aug. 20, 1834, Richard T. Esmond, b. at Saratoga Spa,
Sept. 3, 1804; d. May 10, 1892. Issue:

1007 Ellen J. B., b. July 15, 1835; m. July 15, i860,

Hermance Haight Ferris, b. July 23, 1838.
Resides Ballston Spa, N. Y. No issue.

1008 Richard Best, b. July 11, 1855; d. Jan. 15,

i860.

Richard T. Esmond resided Ballston Spa, N. Y.

CCXCI

291 MARGARET, daughter of (82) Abraham Best;
m. Nov. 5, 1839, William Bigelow, b. at Pawlet, Vt., Apr.
I, 1814; d. June 6, 1872, and had:

1009 John B., b. Aug. 6, 1840; m. Katherine Wager,
loio Frances Harriet, b. ; m. George Kilmer,
loii George W., b. 1845; d. 1865. Single.

1012 Sarah Jane, b. Dec. 29, 1853; m. June 5, 1879,

Charles E. Beckwith. Resides Salem, Wash.
Co., N. Y. No issue.

1013 James, b. 1855; d. 1888. Single.

(loii) George W. Bigelow served in the Civil War, en-
listing in a company at New York City, at eighteen years of

BEST GENEALOGY 159

age. He was killed in the battle at Spottsylvania Court
House, 1865.

MIX

1009 JOHN B., son of (291) Margaret Bigelow; m.
Feb. 20, 1867, Katherine Wager, b. 1851; d. Feb.

3, 1898. Issue:

1014 George Heaman, b. July 11, 1868.

1015 Arthur John, b. Aug. 14, 1872; m. 189?.

Resides loio^ Hyde St., San Francisco, Cal.

1016 Grace, b. Dec. 25, 1881; d. Nov. 24, 1894.

John B. Bigelow resides No. 221 West 148th St., N. Y.
City.

MX

loio FRANCES HARRIET, daughter of (291) Mar-
garet Bigelow; m. George Kilmer. Resides Lansingburg,
N. Y. Issue:

1017 Allen E.,

CCXCII

292 CORNELIA CAROLINE, daughter of (82) Abra-
ham Best; m. Nov. 5, 1839, Lewis De Groff, b. June 9,
1 8 16; d. June i, 1895. Bur. Mechanicsville, N. Y. Widow
resides No 12 North 9th St., Newark, N. J. Issue:

1018 Henrietta I., b. Oct. 3, 1840; m. Abraham M.

Spain.

1019 Ophelia L., b. Feb. 3, 1842; m. Hubert P.

Main.

1020 Abraham Best, b. Nov. 15, 1843; d. Aug. 3,

1865.

160 BEST GENEALOGY

1021 Adella Virginia, b. Feb. 19, 1848; d. Nov.

22, 1849.

1022 Arthur L., b. Dec. 5, 1851; m. Mary H. Dashiel.

1023 Serena A., b. Oct. 7, 1856; m. Oct. 3, 1885,

George W. Dederick. No issue.

In searching through old records the author happened
upon the following, which is inserted here for the interest
it may convey, and not for the purpose of establishing
descent; Apr. 15, 1735, Jacobus Vandenbogert, of Dutchess
Co., yeoman, and wife, and Mydert vandenbogert, of the
same Co., and wife, in consideration of ;£ioo, conveyed
to Jan de Graeff (Groff), of said Co., land in "pouchg-
keepsinck," on Fall Creek, adjoining the land of the widow
of John Kip, deceased, also of Col. Leonard Lewis, then late
of Dutchess Co., deceased, and of Baltus Van Kleeck, then
late &c., deceased, and then in possession of Franc Filkin,
excepting and reserving the mill creek, called Fall Kill, and
a road down to the mill. The property deeded was situate
at Poughkeepsie, in Dutchess Co., N. Y., where Jan de
Graeff then resided. The spelling is retained; the names
are easily recognized. May 5, 1738, Bartholomeus Hoge-
boom, of Dutchess Co., Carpenter, and " Saramynwyf , "
in consideration of " eyty pounds currant money of the
provence of New Yorck," conveyed to John De Graef,
of said Co., " Coerdwyner," land at " poghkeepsinck " (they
certainly had a hard time with that word), butted and
bounded on the south "syde" of the land of Walter Van
Kleeck, and extending to the river, which tract was deeded
to said Hogeboom by Myndert Harmonse, and Helena, his
wife, in July, 1709.

From a map of the village of Poughkeepsie, made from
a survey of Henry Livingston, May 10, 1799, we find that
a De Graff resided on the ' Upper Landing Road." Local
historians say that he was one of the earliest of the Dutch
settlers. The last village President of Poughkeepsie was

BEST GENEALOGY 161

Jacob De Groff, 1853-4. It is probable that the descen-
dants of Lewis De Groff will find their earliest ancestor
here.

MXVIII

1018 HENRIETTA I., daughter of (292) Cornelia
C. De Groff; m. Apr. 20, 1871, Abraham M. Spain, and had:

1024 Lewis Best, b. Mch. 19, 1872; m. Florence E.

Darrow.

1025 Ward K., b. Apr. 23, 1873; m. Clara V. Smith.

1026 Chauncey Hayes, b. July 17, 1875; m. Oct. 6,

1897, Zella Opal Lane, b. Mch. 29, 1878, at
West Mansfield, Ohio. Mar. by Rev. C. W.
Lane, at Lykens, Ohio. No issue.

Abraham M. Spain resides at North Lewisburg, Cham-
paign Co., Ohio, where his children also reside.

MXXIV

1024 LEWIS BEST, son of (1018) Henrietta I. Spain;
m. Oct. 19, 1893, Florence Eveline Darrow, b. at Woodstock,
Ohio, June 23, 1876. Mar. by Rev. J. W. Henly, of Wood-
stock. Issue:

1027 Velma Cliffe, b. Dec. 10, 1894.

MXXV

1025 WARD K., son of (1018) Henrietta I. Spain; m.
Nov. 6, 1895, Clara Virginia Smith, b. Aug. 11, 1875, ^^
Gardner, Kansas. Mar. by Rev. J. W. Miller, at North
Lewisburg, Ohio, and had:

1028 Walter Kyle, b. Sept. 5, 1896.

162 BEST GENEALOGY

MXIX

1019 OPHELIA L., daughter of (292) Cornelia C. De

Groff; m. Sept, 18, 1865, Hubert P. Main, b. Aug. 17, 1839.
Issue:

1029 Carry V., b. Nov. 18, 1866.

1030 Lewis Arthur, b. July 24, 1868; d. Sept. 14,

1868.

1031 Lucius C, b. Mch. i, 1874; m. Etta S. Burke,

1032 Hubert De Groff, b. Dec. 2, 1884.

Hubert P. Main is a member of the publishing firm of
Biglow & Main, publishers, for many years of the well-
known Gospel Hymns, church hymnals, and Sunday-
school books. It is probably the largest concern in the
country dealing exclusively in the publication of church
books and periodicals. Mr. Main resides at No. 12 North
9th St., Newark, N. J.

MXXXI

1031 LUCIUS C, son of (1019) Ophelia L. Main; m.
July 26, 1899, Etta Stuart Burke, and had:

1033 Stuart De Groff, b. June 3, 1900.

MXXII

1022 ARTHUR L., son of (292) Cornelia C. De Groff;
m. Jan. 22, 1879, Mary H. Dashiel, and had:

1034 Cornelia B., b. Oct. 15, 1883.

1035 Arthur D., b. Apr. 17, 1885.

1036 Robert L., b. Jan. 9, 1890.

1037 Mary E., b. Aug. 29, 1894.

1038 Robert L. D., b. Feb. 18, i88o; d. Mch. 1880.

BEST GENEALOGY 163

Arthur L. De Groflf resides No. 240 Roseville St., Newark,
N.J.

CCXCIV

294 ABRAHAM, son of (82) Abraham Best; m. Sept.
19, 1848, Sarah Staats, b. Sept. 29, 1829, and had:

1039 John Allen, b. Feb. 25, 1850; m. Hattie Irish.

1040 Anna Maria, b. Aug. 31, 1851; m. Isaac Roff.

1041 Mary Elizabeth, b. Feb. 20, 1853; m. Gilbert

Mitchell.

1042 Helene Jane, b. Feb. 8, 1856.

1043 Loraine T., b. Oct. 21, 1859; m. Alexander T.

Nolton.

1044 Miller, b. Dec. 16, 1863; m. Jennie Vanden-

burgh.

1045 Nellie, b. Feb. 24, 1871.

Abraham Best resides Vischer's Ferry, Saratoga Co.,
N. Y.

MXXXIX

1039 JOHN ALLEN, son of (294) Abraham Best; m.
June 15, 1887, Hattie Irish, and had:

1046 Jenness, b. July 1888.

1047 Helen, b. June 1896.

John A. Best resides Colonic, N. Y.

MXL

1040 ANNA MARIA, daughter of (294) Abraham
Best; m. Oct. 4, 1870, Isaac Roff, b. Dec. 20, 1840, and had:

1048 Frederick A., b. May 22, 1874.

1049 Sarah Eloise, b. Apr. 30, 1879.

164 BEST GENEALOGY

1050 Allen Archiland, b. Mch. 20, 1881.

1051 Helena Eliza, b. Dec. i, 1886.

Isaac Roflf resides No. 217 Main St., Cohoes, N. Y.

MXLI

1041 MARY ELIZABETH, daughter of (294) Abraham
Best; m. Jan. i, 1888, Gilbert Mitchell, and had:

1052 Lewis, b. Jan. i, 1890.
Gilbert Mitchell resides Boston, Mass.

MXLIII

1043 LORAINE T., daughter of (294) Abraham Best;
m. Oct. 28, 1885, Alexander T. Nolton, Resides Cohoes
N. Y. Issue:

1053 Wilfred, b. Jan. 7, 1888.

MXLIV

1044 MILLER, son of (294) Abraham Best;'m. Oct.
15, 1884, Jennie Vandenburgh. Resides Vischer's^Ferry,
N. Y. Issue:

1054 Carry Estella, b. Oct. 7, 1887.

CCVC

295 HENRY MESICK, son of (82) Abraham Best; m.
Dec. 19, 1849, by Rev. C. Frazier, Sylvia Brockway, b.
June 12, 1830. Resides Clifton Park, N. Y. Issue:

1055 George P., b. Oct. 20, 1850; d. Dec.^i, 1859.

1056 Olive Ann, b. Feb. 27, 1853 ;"m. Charles Silver-

nail.

1057 Ella Endora, b. June 6, 1870; m. Frank Staley.

BEST GENEALOGY 165

MLVI

1056 OLIVE ANN, daughter of (295) Henry M. Best;
m. June 12, 1872, Charles Silvernail, and had:

1058 Etta Best, b. Nov. 5, 1879; m. James N.

Vischer.

MLVIII

1058 ETTA BEST, daughter of (1056) Olive A. Silver-
nail; m. 1895, James Nessle Vischer. Issue:

1059 Harold, b. Aug. 16, 1898.

MLVII

1057 ELLA ENDORA, daughter of (295) Henry M.
Best; m. Dec. 19, 1880, Frank Staley, and had:

1060 Herman Best, b. Feb. 5, 1892,

CCXCVII

297 SARAH CATHERINE, daughter of (82) Abraham
Best; m. Oct. 5, 1859, John Fellows. He d. Apr. 6, 1892.
Issue :

1061 Herbert B., b. Nov. 20, i860; m. Minnie C.

Ives; d. Dec. 5, 1899.

MLXI

1061 HERBERT B., son of (297) Sarah C. Fellows;
m. Sept. 21, 1889, Minnie C. Ives, b. Jan. 5, 1863, and had:

1062 Gordon R., b. Apr. 6, 1891.

Herbert B. Fellows resided at Scarsboro, N. Y., and

166 BEST GENEALOGY

was murdered by robbers while in the discharge of his
duties.

CCXCVIII

298 MARGARET M., daughter of (83) Sarah Murray;
m. May 7, 1846, George Haywood, b. at Hillsdale, June
19, 1822; d. Mch. 28, 1898. Resides Clinton, Iowa. Issue:

1063 Murray, b. July 4, 1852; m. Anna W. Scott.

1064 George, b. May 23, 1855; m. Oct. 1891,

Rose Case, of Madison, Wis. No issue.
Resides Clinton, Iowa.

1065 William M., b. May 23, 1865; m. Margaret A.

Crine.

MLXIII

1063 MURRAY, son of (298) Margaret M. Haywood;
m. Oct. 14, 1880, Anna Webb Scott, of Davenport, Iowa.
Issue:

1066 Margaret, b. Aug. 5, 1881.

1067 Clara Amanda, b. Jan. 20, 1883.

1068 Murray, b. Sept. 16, 1884.

1069 Alvin Eugene, b. Jan. 25, 1887.

1070 Mildred Alice, b. June 8, 1893.

Murray Haywood resides at Clinton, Iowa.

MLXV

1065 WILLIAM M., son of (298) Margaret M. Haywood;
m. at Dansville, Livingston Co., N. Y., Sept. 20, 1887,
Margaret Addie Crine, b. at Wayland, May 29, 1862,
daughter of Christian and Catherine Crine, of Wayland,
Steuben Co., N. Y. Resides Moline, Rock Island Co.,
Illinois, at No. 344 7th St. Issue:

BEST GENEALOGY 167

1071 Mary Margaret, b. June ii, 1889.

1072 Rhea Edna. b. May 15, 1892.

CCCIII

303 WILLIAM, son of (83) Sarah Murray; m. Jan. 31,
1866, Julia Dorr, b. July 17, 1836. Resides Hillsdale, N. Y.
Issue :

1073 Joseph D., b. Aug. 22, 1869. Single.

CCCIV

304 HENRY W., son of (83) Sarah Murray; m. Nov.
II, 1851, Julia Weed, b. June 4, 1825; d. Aug. 17, 1894.
Issue:

1074 William, b. Aug. 14, 1852; m. Minnie M.

Murray.

1075 Frank P., b. Nov. 17, 1853. Office No. 105

Fulton St., N. Y. City.

1076 Mary A., b. Sept. 27, 1855.

1077 Julia E., b. Dec. 14, 1862; m. John Neal; d.

Apr. 27, 1898.

1078 Martha, b. Apr. 5, 1870; d. Nov. 5, 1884.

MLXXIV

1074 WILLIAM, son of (304) Henry W. Murray; m.
Dec. II, 1889, Minnie M. Murray, b. Mch. 10, 1868. Resides
Montrose Park, South Orange, N. J. Issue:

1079 Walter Arthur, b. Oct. 27, 1890.

1080 Mildred Emma, b. Aug. 13, 1898.

MLXXVII
1077 JULIA E., daughter of (304) Henry W. Murray;

168 BEST GENEALOGY

m. Sept. 2, 1890, John Neal, b. Sept. 15, 1854. Resides
No. 100 4th Ave., Newark, N. J. Issue:

1081 Anna Virginia, b. July 23, 1891.

1082 Evelyn, b. Feb. 22, 1894.

CCCV

305 JACOB B.. son of (83) Sarah Murray; m. Jan. 20,
185s, Martha Wheeler, b. Aug. 29, 1834. Issue:

1083 Russell W., b. Apr. 6, 1856.

1084 William, b. Mch. 9, 1858; m. Jenny Barre.

1085 Martha E., b. Mch. 30, 1859; d. Feb. 18, 1861.

1086 Maud, b. July 13, 1864; m. Edward W. Bigelow.

1087 Mabel, b. Feb. 15, 1868.

1088 Jenny B., b. Sept. 29, 1869; m. Samuel E.

Vernon.

Jacob B. Murray was engaged in the wholesale grocery
business in Brooklyn for many years. He devoted much
of his time and means to philanthropic objects and church
work, in which he was largely interested. He was an elder
of Plymouth Church, and at the time of his death Henry
Ward Beecher, then pastor of the church, inscribed
the following on the minutes of the Consistory, a copy
of which was sent to the widow: "After a prosperous
and most happy life, of fifty-two years, God called Jacob
B. Murray unto his heavenly rest, on the morning of
August 24, 1 880. In the fulness of life and happiness,
'his eye not dim nor his natural strength abated,' by reason
of a brief illness through inflammation of the brain, he arose
from earth and entered into life eternal. His body was
laid to rest in Greenwood, at the going down of the sun, on
Friday, Aug. 27, 1880." (Signed) " Henry Ward Beecher."
His widow resides at No. 246 Carroll St., Brooklyn N. Y.

BEST GENEALOGY 169

MLXXXIV

1084 WILLIAM, son of (305) Jacob B. Murray; m.
Dec. 20, 1880, Jenny Barre, b. Sept. 4, 1861. Resides
Brooklyn. Issue:

1089 Marie A., b. Sept. 21, 1881.

1090 William R., b. June 27, 1883.

1091 Jean F., b. Sept. 30, 1891.

MLXXXVI

1086 MAUD, daughter of (305) Jacob B. Murray; m.
Oct. 7, 1886, Edward W. Bigelow, b. Apr. 7, 1861, and had:

1092 Marion, b. July 4, 1887.

1093 Charles R., b. July 23, 1890; d. July i, 1891.

1094 Wilder, b. May 23, 1892.

1095 Russell, b. Jan. 9, 1896.

MLXXXVIII

1088 JENNY B., daughter of (305) Jacob B. Murray;
m. Feb. 4, 1892, Samuel E. Vernon, b. 1857. Issue:

1096 Vivian, b. Mch. 9, 1894.

1097 Murray, b. Jan. 3, 1897.

CCCVII

307 MARTHA M., daughter of (83) Sarah Murray;
m. Sept. 9, 1846, Isaac B. Rogers, b. Feb. 23, 1818. Re-
sided Clinton, Iowa. Issue:

1098 Sarah Elizabeth, b. Sept. 4, 1847. Resides

No. 510 7th Ave., Clinton, Iowa.

1099 William Murray, b. Feb. 19, 1855; m. ;

d. 1879. No issue.

170 BEST GENEALOGY

iioo Henry Walter, b. Mch. 28, 1858; m. Nov.,
1881, Molly Hequenburg, of Dunkirk, N. Y.
No issue. He d. Aug. i, 1882.

CCCVIII

308 SARAH ANN, daughter of (84) Jeremiah J. Best;
m. at Claverack, Feb. 18, 1846, David Post Daniels, of
Montrose, Pa., b. Nov. 18, 1821; d. Nov. 25, 1852. Bur.
Claverack. Issue:

HOI Sarah Elizabeth, b. Jan. 29, 1848.

1102 Phebe Augusta, b. June 30, 1849; d. June 17,

1897.

1 103 Mary Josephine, b. Oct. i, 1851.

CCCIX

309 MARY JANE, daughter of (84) Jeremiah J. Best;
m. Sept. 18, 1856, John M. Whitman, b. Apr. 12, 1834.
Resides Van Hoesen's Corners, Rens. Co., N. Y. Issue:

1 104 Albert H., b. Oct. 4, i860; m. ist. M. Adela

Hoes; m. 2nd., Harriet M. Robeson.

1 105 Lettie M., b. June 30, 1862.

MCIV

1 104 ALBERT H., son of (309) Mary J. Whitman; m.
ist, Sept. 12, 1883, M. Adela Hoes, and had:

1106 Adelbert H., b. Apr. 14, 1886.

M. 2nd, Oct. 23, 1889, Harriet M. Robeson, and had:

1 107 John L., b. Nov. 23, 1893.

1108 Ralph E., b. Aug. 4, 1899.

BEST GENEALOGY 171

CCCXI

311 PETER KIPP, son of (84) Jeremiah J. Best;
m. Sept. 23, 1842, by Rev. Fonda at Livingston, Dutchess
Co., N. Y., Jane Esselstyn, b. Sept. 23, 1819; d. June 27,
1887. Bur. Mechanicville, N. Y. Issue:

1 109 Jeremiah I., b. Aug. 9, 1843; m. (848) Mary C.

Best, daughter of (266) John Best (see under

family No. 848).
mo Jacob Esselstyn, b. Aug. 12, 1845; m. Sarah

Terry.

11 1 1 Charlotte Louise, b. Apr. 15, 1847.

1 112 Alfred Edgar, b. Dec. 12, 1849; d. Nov, 27,

1893.

1 113 Mary Van Deusen, b. June 23, 1851; d. June

27, 1852.

1 114 Charles Augustus, b. Nov. 9, 1853.

1115 Mary Van Deusen, b. Aug. 21, 1855; m.

Oct. 27, 1886, Ezra J. Swartout. No issue.

1116 Jane Elizabeth, b. Oct. 21, 1856.

1117 Peter Edward, b. Feb. 17, 1858; m. Sarah

L. Safford.

11 18 Harriet Leanora, b. Mch. 28, i860. Re-

sides Mechanicville.

1 1 19 Ella Caroline, b. Mch. 30, 1861; m. Adelbert

B. Orcutt.

1 120 William Malancthon, b. Sept. 11, 1862; m.

Marion L. Tenney.

1121 Lydia Mabel, b. Mch. 21, 1866.

Peter K. Best early moved to Mechanicville, where he
founded the " Best Brick Co., " which is one of the largest
in the State, and is still successfully operated.

MCX

mo JACOB ESSELSTYN. son of (311) Peter K.

172 BEST GENEALOGY

Best; m. Oct. 5, 1875, Mrs. Sarah Terry, of Niskayuna,
N. Y. Resides Latham's Corners, N. Y. Issue:

1122 Peter Kipp, b. Apr. 8, 1876; m. Mch. 22, 1899,

Bertha Swatling. Resides Berdoy, Albany
Co., N. Y. No issue.

MCXVII

1 1 17 PETER EDWARD, son of (311) Peter K. Best;
m. Sept. 27, 1 88 1, Sarah L. Safford, of Mechanicville, b.
June 14, 1 86 1, and had:

1 123 Walter J., b. Dec. 3, 1886.

1 124 Edith K., b. Aug. 25, 1892.

1125 Ordnar, b. Mch. 14, 1893.

Peter E. Best resides Eagle Mills, Rens. Co., N. Y.

MCXIX

1 1 19 ELLA CAROLINE, daughter of (311) Peter K.
Best; m. Feb. 17, 1885, Adelbert B. Orcutt. Resides
Mechanicville. Issue:

1126 Hazel, b. Feb. 7, 1886.

1127 Pauline, b. Oct. 23, 1888.

1128 Harlan Taylor, b. Aug. 10, 1891.

1129 Gladys Jane, b. Apr. 21, 1897.

MCXX

1 120 WILLIAM MALANCTHON. son of (311) Peter
K. Best; m. Sept, 11, 1880, Marion L. Tenney, of Stillwater,
N. Y. Resides Mechanicville, N. Y. Issue:

1 130 Herbert, b. Oct. 1882; d. July 20, 1893.

BEST GENEALOGY 173

CCCXIV

314 TRISTRAM COFFIN, son of (84) Jeremiah J.
Best; m. ist., Oct. 30, 1855, Harriet Lamb, b. Oct. 1827;
d. Oct. II, 1865. Bur. Mechanicville. Issue:

1131 George Franklin, b. June 5, 1858; m. Ella

H. McLees.

1132 Lewis Howard, b. Apr. 3, 1864; m. Bertha

E. Smith.

1133 Emma Jane, b. Aug. 5, 1854, d. Dec. 10, 1858;

M. 2nd, Elizabeth Lamb, b. Sept. 8, 1828; d.

Dec. 21, 1897. No issue.

MCXXXI

1131 GEORGE FRANKLIN, son of (314) Tristram C.
Best; m. Nov. 23, 1882, Ella Herrick McLees, b. June
7, 1858. Issue:

1134 Grace Mary, b. Apr. 26, 1887; d. May 24, 1893.

1135 Blanche Elizabeth, b. Aug. 7, 1894.

George F, Best resides Round Lake, N. Y.
MCXXXII

1 132 LEWIS HOWARD, son of (314) Tristram C.
Best; m. Oct. 19, 1893, Bertha E. Smith and had:

1136 Hazel Deborah, b. Oct. 4, 1894.

Lewis H. Best resides Mechanicville, N. Y.

In the year 1900, the author commissioned a genealogist
employed by the New York Genealogical and Biographical
Society to make for him a chart of the Best family from all
data then extant and available to the professional searcher.
A very cursory examination of this chart discloses a task

174 BEST GENEALOGY

quite impossible, except perhaps to the romancer, of attain-
ing with safety, or with any degree of assurance, an haven
of certainty, through the interminable maze, by relying
solely upon the halting and traditional tracings of a genea-
logical chart as laid down for us. It is reproduced for the
purpose of showing the scanty material of the family
which had been published up to that time, upon which
the chart was formulated.

174 BEST GENEALOGY

quite impossible, except perhaps to the romancer, of attain-
ing with safety, or with any degree of assurance, an haven
of certainty, through the interminable maze, by relying
solely upon the halting and traditional tracings of a genea-
logical chart as laid down for us. It is reproduced for the
purpose of showing the scanty material of the family
which had been published up to that time, upon which
the chart was formulated.

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INDEX

CHRISTIAN NAMES OF BEST FAMILY

Abbie Merinda, 151

Abigail Lee, 106

Abigail Stevens, 106

Abraham, 37, 39, 72, 73, 163

Ada, 98

Agnes, loi

Albert, 63, 64, 66

Albert Starr, 64

Alexander, 58, 6 r

Alfred Edgar, 171

Alice, 146

Alice G., 89

Alida, 70

Alma May, 102

Althea, 91, 93

Amanda Eveline, 74

Ambrose Spencer, 71, 151

Andrew, 91, 93

Andrew K., 76, 95

Angelica, 46

Ann, 56

Anna, 24, 27. 45, 49, 50, 53, 61

Anna Catherine, 142

Anna Christina, 75, 85

Anna Christyn, 18

Anna Donaldson, iii

Anna M., 138

Anna Maria, 19, 79, 98, 100, 163

Anna Tooker, 5 1

Annatjen, 22

Annetie, 35

Annette, 61

Archland, 67

Arthur, 83, 97

Arthur A., 60

Arthur James, 145

Augusta, 97

Augusta Lynes, no

B

Bachman, 76

Bayly, Sarah Elizabeth, 109

Benjamin, 24, 35
Bernie E., 135
Bertha, 64, 66, 67
Blanche Elizabeth,
Burdella, 135
Byron, 80, 85

173

Caroline, 156

Carolyn, 140

Carry, 91, 93, 98

Carry D., 89

Carry Estella, 164

Catherine, 22, 23, 24, 35, 36, 43,

44, 45. 47. 55, 5^, 68, 69,

79. 95, 98, 104
Catherine Alida, 128
Catherine Eliza, 72
Catherine Margaret, 104
Catrien, 26, 48
Celestia, 135
Charlotte Louise, 171
Charles, 14, 15, 81, 83, 95, 136
Charles A., 138
Charles Albert, 151
Charles Augustus, 171
Charles D., 156
Charles Elmore, 128
Charles H., 67, 157
Charles Monroe, 79, 102
Charles Sudam, 75, 85
Charles Vincent, 49
Cheney, 69
Christiana, 76, 88
Christina, 26, 59, 70, 73, 78
Christina Maria, 69, 75, 79, 81
Christina Ruth, 63
Christopher, 15
C. L., Jr., the portrait of, iv
Clara, 53, 64
Clara Belle, 102
Clara T., 137

Clermont L., the portrait of, iv
Clermont Livingston, 50

175

176

Clifford, 1 02
Coenradt, 21
Conrad, 21
Cordelia, 80
Cornelia Caroline, 73
Cornelia Jane, 83
Cyrus F., 66
Cyrus Williams, 150

Daisy, 135

Daniel S., 61

David, 37, 39, 72, 155, 156

Delia Eliza, 74, 126

Donald, 66

Dora May, 68

Dorothy, 48

Dorwin A., 154

Edgar Allen, 80

Edith K., 172

Edmond, 72

Edward, 20

Edward A., 67

Edward Alexander, 60, 67

Edward De Forest, 140

Edward Leon, 145

Edward Payson, 142

Edward S., 109

Edythe M., 145

Eleanor, 70

EH, 71

Elias, 23

Eliza, 58, 60

Elizabeth, 19, 21, 22, 23, 24, 27,

35. 43. 44, 48, 49. 53. 54, 59.

75, 76, 80, 81, 85, 91, 92, no
Elizabeth Ann, 79
Elizabeth Christina, 79, 98
Elizabeth M., 140
Elizabeth Tobey Cutler, no
Ella Caroline, 171
Ella Endora, 164
Ellen, 61, 63, 72
Ellen Gertrude, in
Eloise, 146
Elva Irene, 102
Emeline, 108
Emily, 60, 97
Emma, loi
Emma C, 156
Emma Jane, 173

Emma Louise, 146
Ephraim, 23, 37, 39, 71
Ephraim Ira, 150
Ephraim Peter, 70, 128
Ernest, 135
Eugene, 50
Eugenia, 98
Eva, 18, 24, 46, 48,
Eve, 56, 68, 103
Eve Anna, 83
Everett, 138
Ezra D., 60

Fannie E., 156
Florence M., 61
Frances C, 91
Frances E., 60
Frances L., 68
Francis, 43
Frank, 67, 97
Frank B., 154
Frank D., 126
Frank, E., 145
Frederick, 93, 140
Frederick A., 63
Frederick E., 144
Frederick M., 62, 76, 89

George, i, 2, 7, 22, 23, 27, 53,

54, 56
George Bethune, 146, 147
George E., 62
George Franklin, 173
George J., 28, 36
George Juriaan, 16, 18
George M., 156
George P., 79, 164
George Wait, 145
Gertrude, 76, 81, 90
Grace, 100, 138, 157
Grace Mary, 173

H

Hannah, 22
Harman, 35, 70
Harmanus, 20, 26
Harmon, 60, 78, 97, 136
Harriet, 48, 61, 62, 63
Harriet Ann, 109
Harriet Anna, no

177

Harriet B., 64, 66

Harriet Eliza, 61

Harriet Leanora, 171

Hattie D., 97

Hattie Estelle, 64

Hazel Deborah, 173

Helen, 43, 45, 59, 61, 79, loi,

163
Helen Crittenden, 147
Helene Jane, 163
Henrich, 21, 22, 24, 46, 54
Henry, 7, 14, 30, 39, 57, 58, 100
Henry Allan, 68, 106
Henry Daniel, 63
Henry Digby, 14
Henry Edgar, 79, 98
Henry J., 37, 70, 100, 137
Henry Mesick, 73, 164
Henry Morris, 144
Henry N., 156
Henry W., 73
Herbert, 58, 172
Herbert W., 67
Herman, 50
Howard, no
Howard I., 138

Ida, 97

Ida Annette, 66

Imogene, 91

Jacob, 18, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26,
35. 39. 42, 43. 45. 48, 49, 5°,
54, 55, 56, 58, 59. 62, 69, 78,
III

facob B., 73

facob Esselstyn, 171

[acob H., 71

facob Harman, 27, 49

facob L., 72, 154

facob W., 37, 40, 43

fames, 3, 19, 49, 50, 56, 71, 102,

T ^45 ^

James B., 146, 147

James De, 2

James R., 53

Jane Anne, commanded by

George Best, 3
Jane Belinda, 75
Jane Elizabeth, 171
Jane Frances, 75, 84

Jane M., 60, 67

Janette, 98

Jared, 71, 148

Jared Frank, 148

Jarius, 72

Jean, i

Jenness, 163

Jenny E., 138

Jenny Lee, 142

Jeremiah, 37, 39, 55, 76

Jeremiah I., 138, 171

Jeremiah J., 74

Jeremias, 23, 24

Jeremy, 54

Jessie, 98

Johannes J., 55, 74

Josephine, 62

Julia, 23, 62, 75, 82

John, I, 2, 15, 23, 37, 39, 40, 44,

54, 70, 83, 128
John Abraham, 76
John Allen, 163
John Amadon, 15
John B., 73, 78
John Byron, 75
John Clarence, 68
John Eli, 71, 150
John Emmet, 79
John Franklin, 80
John Harder, 142
John I., 83
John J., 36, 68, 140
John Jacob, 72
John Jeremiah, 73
John Leighton Wilson, in
John Lounard, 68, 104
John M., 58, 62
John Mesick, 70, 128, 136
John P., 75, 81
John R., no
John Tobey, 144
John W., 44
John William, 79
Johannes, 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 35,

36, 39, 40, 46, 47, 48, 55, 74,

^ 75. 76
Josephine, 64
Jury, 24
Jury J., 36

K

Katherine Eunice, 144
Katherine Haven, 147

178

Laura, 52
Laura M., 138
Lavina T., 60, 67
Leigh, 144
Lena, 5^, 78
Leonard H., 64, 66
Leroy, 102
Levi, 45, 46, 47
Lewis Howard, 173
Lillian, 100
Lillian A., 138
Lillian Maria, 135
Lizzie Augusta, 148
Lizzie B., 66
Loraine T., 163
Louisa, 8r
Lovina, 79
Lucius Ephraim, 148
Lucy, 76, 94, 103
Luella, 97
Lulu, 98

Lydia Mabel, 171
Lydia Maria, 72
Ly Sander T., 136, 137

M

Mabel P., 157

Magdalena, 27, 47, 49

Maggie, 108

Malinda, 70

Margaret, 18, 43, 46, 47, 48, 56,
57, 59, 68, 69, 70, 73, 80, 83,
156 ..,

Margaret Ann, 66

Margaret Christina, 71

Margaret Elizabeth, 1 1 1

Margaret Jane, 76, 95

Margaret Miller, 79

Margaretha Livingston, 49

Margarita, 35

Margaritta, 55, 74

Maria, 23, 48, 49, 53

Marie Louise, 148

Marjorie Dana, 147

Martha, 73

Martin, 23, 44, 76, 91

Martin Luther, 104

Mary, 56, 58, 61, 62, 68, 69,
70, 71, 74, 107, 126

Mary Abbie, 150

Mary C, 137

Mary Catherine, 75

Mary Christina, 80
Mary Cornelia, 79, 98
■ Mary E., 62

Mary Elizabeth, 104, 142, 163
Mary Emma, 83
Mary Jane, 74, 78
Mary L., 61
Mary Mesick, 128
Mary Peters, 109
Mary Van Deusen, 171
Marytje, 48, 55
Matilda, 70
Merritt E., 138
Miller, 163, 164
Milton, 78, 97
Milton Peters, 80
Minnie Ida, 151
Minnie Luella, 102

N

Nellie, 102, 163
Nellie Emma, 145
Nelson, 75, 82
Nichlaes, 18
Norman, 137
Norman C, 70

Olive Ann, 164
Ordnar, 172

Paul, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 140

Peter, 24, 36, 39, 47, 48, 69, 13^

Peter Edward, 171

Peter Franklin, 83

Peter L, 70, 83, 135

Peter Jacob, 80

Peter Kipp, 74, 172

Petrus J., 35, 36, 49, 58

Phoebe, M., 156

Pieter, 18

Polly. 43

Pruyn, 106

Ralph Westervelt, 64

Rebecca, 22

Reuben, 59, 63

Richard, 15, 44, 58, 71, 149

Richard J., 149

179

Richard James, 142

Robert, 50, 53, 55, 73, 78, 79,

97, 102
Rockefeller, 79
Royal G., 145
Russell, 102
Russell B., 102
Russell Miner, 102
Ruth A., 61

Sally Ann, 75
Sarah, 23, 37, 57, 73
Sarah Agnes, 50
Sarah Ann, 71,74
Sarah Catherine, 73
Sarah E., 74, 137
Sarah Elizabeth, 75, 12?
Sarah M., 70
Sherwood Daniel, 58

Sophia, 43
Stephen E., 76
Sterling, 60
Susan, 56

Thomas, 7, 8, 9, 15, 61, 68, 75
Thomas Broadhead, 54
Thomas J., 58
Tristum Coffin, 74
Tunis, 58, 60

Valeria, 108
Viola, 135
Virginia Ann, 8^

W

Wallace, 53

Walter, 60, 79

Walter J., 172

Walter Joseph, 149, 150

Walter M., 137

Wayne Chapman, 62

Wilhelmus, 24, 144, 149

Willard, 50, 102

Willem, I

William, 16, 19, 43, 44, 56, 68,

73, 74. 83
William C, 156
William Cushing, 72, 156
William Draper, i, 11, 12, 13
William Draper Mortimer, 14
William H., 44
William J., 85
William Lounard, 109
William Malancthon, 171
William W., 43
WiUis James, 148
Wilson, 78
Wilson I., 140
Winifred, 146

INDEX

SURNAMES OTHER THAN BEST

A.

Ackert, Catherine, 22
Acly, Harriet, 69, 120
Adams, Benjamin Pettengill,

III
Adams, Elbert Nevius, iii
Adams, George Fletcher, iii
Adams, George W., iii
Adams, Samuel Dean, iii
Almstead, Amelia M., 114
Almstead, Irving Abner, 114
Almstead, John A., 114
Almstead, Leah Ellen, 115
Almstead, Maurice, 115
Almstead, Morris J., 114
Almstead, Raymond P., 114
Almstead, William, 115
Ames, Addie, 122
Ames, Alice, 121
Ames, Alice M., 125
Ames, Carry E., 124
Ames, Carrie T., 124
Ames, Charles H., 124
Ames, Charles M., 124
Ames, Cheney, 121, 122
Ames, Clarence, 124
Ames, Daniel E., 124
Ames, Edith, 122
Ames, Edna Catherine, 125
Ames, Florence, 124, 125
Ames, Frank, 122
Ames, Frank W., 124
Ames, Harriet, 121
Ames, Harry, 122
Ames, Hattie May, 124
Ames, Jennie, 122
Ames, Lillie J., 124
Ames, Margaret Pearl, 124
Ames, Mary C, 124
Ames, Mary E., 124
Ames, Matilda, 121, 124
Ames, Melissa, 121
Ames, Mildred Isabel, 125
Ames, Norman C, 124
Ames, Norman E., 124

Ames, Orrin, 121
Ames, Oscar, 121
Ames, Robert, 36
Ames, Theodore O., 124
Angell, Emma, 72, 154
Ashton, Albert J., 157
Ash ton, Clarence A., 157
Ashton, F. H., 157
Ay res, Marjorie, 64

B.

Bachman, Cora, 88
Bachman, Jenny, 88
Bachman, Mary, 88
Bachman, Samuel, 88
Bachman, Sarah Jane, 88
Bachman, Stephen, 88
Barnes, Emma M., 119
Barton, Carry, 93
Bast, Dominic de, landscape

painter, i
Bast, Friederick Jacob, 16
Bast, John Jacob, 16
Bast, Louis Amedee de, i
Bast, Martin-Jean de, i
Bast, Peter, i
Bathrick, Cornelius, 80
Bates, Alice Bertha, 105
Bates, David Ray, 158
Bates, Luther L., 157
Bates, Matilda, 141
Bates, Maudie Ethlowene, 158
Bates, Nellie Blanch, 158
Bates, Stella May, 158
Batz, David, 27, 49
Bayly, George W., 108
Becker, Crawford, 120
Becker, Emma, 86
Becker, Harriet, 120
Becker, Maria, 36
Becker, Teunis, 36
Becker, Thomas, 120
Becker, William J., 120
Beest, the derivation of the

name. 16

181

182

Beest, Aert Pietersen Buys van,

i6
Beest, Beeltje van, i6, 17
Beest, Frans Jacobsen van, 16
Beest, Geertje Cornells van, 16
Beest, Geertruy Teunissen van,

16
Beest, Goosen Jansen van Noort

van, 16
Beest, Jan Petersen Buys van,

16
Beest, Marytje Theunis van, 16
Beest, Peter Marcelis van, 16
Benedict, Cora E., 62
Bejamin, Martha, 119
Bennett, Sallie, 23
Benson, Charles Best, 132
Benson, Edward Ellsworth, 132
Benson, George E., 128, 132
Benton, John V. D., 89
Benton, Samuel Bachman, 89
Berringer, Henrich, 20
Bes, Pieter Cornelissen, 1 5
Beste, Henry Digby, 14, the

writings of, 1 5
Bestt, Francis, 15
Bigelow, Arthur John, 159
Bigelow, Charles R., 169
Bigelow, Edward W., 169
Bigelow, Frances Harriet, 158
Bigelow, George Heaman, 159
Bigelow, George W., 158
Bigelow, Grace, 159
Bigelow, James, 158
Bigelow, John B., 158
Bigelow, Marion, 169
Bigelow, Russell, 169
Bigelow, Sarah Jane, 158
Bigelow, Wilder, 169
Bigelow, William, 73, 158
Bixby, Frances C, 118
Bixby, Isaac S., 118
Blakeman, Eugene, 82
Blakeman, Jessamine, 82
Blakeman, May, 82
Blakeman, Sydney, 82
Blank, Clarence H., 143
Blank, William H., 143
Blass, Elsjen, 22
Boehm, Sarah, 21
Booth, Sylvina, 59
Boright, Lydia, 144
Bortle, Cornelia, 88
Bradley, Anna Rebecca, 100
Bradley, Charles Stewart, 100

Bradley, Edgar S., 98
Bradley, Lincoln Maurice, 100
Breen, Frances W., 118
Breen, William F., 118
Brockway, Sylvia, 73
Bulson, Emma, 1 1 7
Burke, Etta Stuart, 162
Buss, lone, 67
Butler, Mary Ora, 145

C.

Carey, Bertha, 119
Carey, Edna, 119
Carey, Edward, 119
Carle, Charles, 91
Carter, Alvondo, 153
Carter, Eva, 153
Carter, Oscar, 153
Carter, Walter H., 153
Chace, Cornelia A., 78
Chapman, William A., 61
Chase, Cornelia A., 96
Chubb, Mary A., 71, 145
Cipperly, Clara A., 139
Cipperly, Seward P., 139
Clapper, John W., 79
Clum, Alida, 124
Clum, Henry P., 43, 44
Coldwell, Almeda, 93
Coldwell, William, 93
Cole, Jane, 69, 121
Cole, Victor, 91
Colgrove, Alice, 90
Compton, Coalter Bates, 142
Compton, Eno, 142
Compton, George Britton, 142
Cook, Maria H., 71, 150
Cookingham, Daniel D., 23
Coomber, Edward, 115
Coomber, J. Edward, 115
Coomber, Raymond Almstead;

115
Coons, Blanche, 92
Coons, Edna, 91
Coons, Elma, 91
Coons, Emmet, 91
Coons, Gertrude, 92
Coons, Grace, 91
Coons, Lillie, 91
Coons, Mildred L., 92
Coons, Minnie, 91
Coons, Myrtle, 92
Coons, Richard M., 92
Coons, Royal, 91

183

Coons, William H., 91
Cooper, Ann Maria, 70, 137
Cooper, Martin T., 27, 54
Corbitt, Laura, 52
Crapser, Gladys Ethel, 92
Crapser, Hudson T., 91, 92
Crapser, Iva May, 92
Crimbeck, Harriet, loi
Crine, Margaret Addie, 166
Crissey, Alice Elizabeth, 118
Cutler, Martha Jane, 103, 104

D.

Daball, Martha Grace, 97
Daball, Sheridan, 96
Daball, Wilson, 97
Dakin, Aretha A., 126
Dakin, Caroline, 126
Dakin, Caroline Phebe, 126
Dakin, Elizabeth Ann, 126
Dakin, Harriet G., 126
Dakin, Levi, 74, 126
Dakin, Mary E., 126
Dakin, Martha Maria, 73, 126
Dana, Kate Louise, 147
Daniels, David Post, 74, 170
Daniels, Mary Josephine, 170
Daniels, Phebe Augusta, 170
Daniels, Sarah Elizabeth, 170
Darrow, Florence Eveline, 161
Dawson, Elizabeth Anna, 62
Decker, Allan, 84
Decker, Elmer, 84
Decker, Jacob, 17, 26
Decker, Lora, 84
Decker, Mary Jane, 80
Decker, Walter, 81, 84
Dederick, Anna Christina Die-

trichin, 19
Dederick, Catherine, 39
De Golyer, Thatcher, 78
De Grofif, Abraham Best, 159
De Groff, Adella Virginia, 160
De Grofif, Arthur D., 162
De Grofif, Arthur L., 160
De Grofif, Cornelia B., 162
De Grofif, Henrietta I., 159
De Groff, Lewis, 73, 159
De Grofif, Mary E., 162
De Grofif, Robert L., 162
De Grofif, Ophelia L., 159
De Groff, Serena A., 160
Dekker, Hermans, 19
De Myer, Anna, 127

Deyo, Mattie, 156
Doane, Lovina, 58
Donsbag, Antjen, 18
Donsbag, Henrich, 18
Doren, Susanna, 15
Dorr, Julia, 74, 167
Drew, Chester A., 128
Drew, Warren S., 128
Drury, Emma T., 103
Dunspaugh, Desiah D., 78
Dunspaugh, Margaret, 76
Duntz, Addison, 91, 92
Duntz, Cora, 93
Duntz, Ethel May, 72
Duntz, Fred, 93
Duntz, Lewis, 93
Duntz, Mary E., 93
Duntz, Melvin, 93
Duntz, Norman, 92

Emswell, the manor of, 4
Eno, Augusta, 141
Eno, Christina, 141
Eno, Edward Bates, 141
Eno, Edward Best, 141
Eno, Edward L, 71, 141
Eno, Frank, 141
Eno, Henry, 141
Eno, Julia Coalter, 141
Eno, Matilda Bates, 141
Esmond, Ellen J. B, 158
Esmond, Richard Best, 158
Esmond, Richard T., 73, 158
Esselstyn, Jane, 74, 171

Fellows, Gordon R., 165
Fellows, Herbert B., 165
Fellows, John, 165
Fellows, Maria Jane, 116
Fellows, Minnie R., 116
Fellows, William H., 116
Feries, George, 143
Fingar, Margaret, 58
Finger, Coonard, 22
Finger, Maria, 37
Fitzgerald, Ellen, 72, 155
Fonda, Abraham J., 47
Foreman, Amber, 100
Freer, Emery, 122
Freer, Fred, 123
Freer, Grace, 123

184

Freer, Hasbruck, 123

Freer, Hattie, 123

Freer, Tilla A., 123

Freer, Viva L., 123

Fritts, Eliza M., 152

Frobisher, Martin, mentioned, 2

Gerges, Anna, 21
Goold, Burdella, 154
Goold, David P., 153
Goold, Eliza Lora, 153
Goold, John L., 154
Goold, Loren H., 154
Goold, Nettie M., 153
Green, Frances A, 152
Groat, Sarah E., 70, 136
Groff, Mrs. Cornelia C. De, men-
tioned, 41

H.

Hakes, Sarah Ann, 75, 82
Hallenbeck, Anna Maria, 78
Hallenbeck, Edith, 121
Hallenbeck, Frederick, 121
Hallis, Margaret Ann, 81
HaUis, Charles W., 75, 81
Hallis, Jane, 81
Hallis, Rossman, 81
Ham, Allen Jacob, 103
Ham, Christina, 79
Ham, Elizabeth Best, 104
Ham, Eveanna, 94
Ham, Helen Catherine, 103
Ham, Herbert Wilson, 94
Ham, Jacob Tiel, 68
Ham, Jane A., 113
Ham, John Tiel, 103
Ham, Lucy M., 94
Ham, Margaret, 94
Ham, Marianna, 104
Ham, Mary Isabella, 103
Ham, Reuben, 98
Ham, Thomas, 103, 104
Ham, Wilson, 76, 103
Harder, Catherine, 71, 142
Harrison, Emily, 76, 95
Havens, Carry A., 82
Havens, Elmer H., 82
Havens, Sydney, 82
Haywood, Alvin Eugene, 166
Haywood, Clara Amanada, 166
Haywood, George, 73, 166

Haywood, Margaret, 166
Haywood, Mary Margaret, 167
Haywood, Mildred Alice, 166
Haywood, Murray, 166
Haywood, Rhea Edna, 167
Haywood, William M., 166
Hazelton, WiUiam Pierson, 105
Head, Allan Best, 112
Head, Arthur, 112
Head, Gertrude Nevius, 112
Head, Jacob Ward, 112
Hermans, Mary G., 53
Herrick, Walter, 61, 63

Hicks, , 58

Hicks, Margaret, 78, 97
Hitt, Charles L., 95
Hitt, Gertrude A., 96
Hobby, Andrew, 93
Hobby, Lulu, 93
Hobby, Wilson, 93
Hoes, M. Adela, 170
Hoevenburg, Abraham van, 121
Hogle, Almina, 123
Hogle, Augusta, 23
Hogle, John, 123
Hogue, Anna, 89
Holsapple, Catherine A., 79, loi
Hood, Isabelle, 58
Hooft, Marytje, 24, 36
Horton, Charles Lester, 96
Horton, Fred. B., 96
Horton, George W., 96
Horton, Grisella, 78
Horton, Harry D., 96
Horton, Hellene Grace, 96
Horton, Jacob, 96
Horton, Jenny C., 96, 97
Horton, John B., 97
Horton, Michael, 78
Horton, Wilson M., 96
Houghtaling, Peter J., 108
Hoysradt, David Best, 155
Hoysradt, Ellen Jane, 155
Hoysradt, Henry A., 72, 155
Hoysradt, Mary F., 155
Humphrey, John, 85
Humphrey, Robert, 75

L

Ives. Minnie C, 166

Jennings, Christina, 85

185

K.

Kaggle, Margriet, i8
Karner, Cornelia, 139
Karner, John C, 139
Karner, John H., 139
Karner, Mary, 139
Karner, Sarah C, 139
Kells, Charlotte Ann, 79
Kells, Sarah L., 85
Kilmer, Martin L., 61
Kimball, Elizabeth, 71, 140
Kimmey, Martha R., 115
King, Alice B., 143
King, Anna S., 143
King, Charles A., 143
King, Deborah, 143
King, William T., 142
Kip, Abraham T., 22

Kipp, J, J., 75

Phebe, 37, 74
Knapp, Ella May, 154

Kipp, Phebe,

Knapp, Nellie Emma, 145
Knapp, Theodore, 145
Knickerbocker, Ann, 85

Lamb, Elizabeth, 74
Lamb, Harriet, 74, 173
Lamoree, Morgan, 61
Lane, Ann Augusta, 116
Lape, Harry, 94
Lape, Margaret, 36, 37
Lape, Samuel Jeremiah, 56
Lape, Thomas J., 57, 94
Lapham, Reuben P., 56
Lasher, Alice B., 91
Leggett, James I., 98
Lesscher, Lena, 24
Lester, Charles C, 89
Lester, Frank H., 90
Lester, Fred. B., 90
Ley, Rev. Roger, mentioned, 5
Link, Mary, 75
Livingston, Adelmar T., 114 '
Livingston, Alda, 114
Livingston, Alida M., 117
Livingston, Charles G., 114
Livingston, Claude, 117
Livingston, Edith, 117
Livingston Edith A., 117
Lvingston, Elizabeth, 117
Livingston, Harriet, 116
Livingston, Harry R., 116

Livingston, Irene, 117
Livingston, Raymond H., 116
Livingston, Renaldo R., 114
Livingston, Reuben, 114
Livingston, William, 117
Lockwood, Frank Carlton, 83
Lockwood, Sarah Elizabeth, 83
Lounart, Eva, 20, 48
Lown, David H., 139
Lown, Elizabeth E., 140
Lown, Eureatha D., 139
Lown, Marcus M., 139
Lown, Philip A., 140
Lown, Philip J., 70, 139
Lown, Sarah M., 139
Louwrie, Cathrina, 36

M

MacMaster, Frederick A., 145
MacMaster, Wallace B., 145
Main, Carry V., 162
Main, Hubert P., 162
Main, Hubert De Groff, 162
Main, Lewis Arthur, 162
Main, Lucius C, 162
Malone, George P., 97
Mancius, Domine Geor Wilhelm,

Manser, Eveline, 94
Manser, Frank, 94
Manser, Natalie, 94
Marshall, Ann Maria, 86
Mayell, Leslie M., no
Mayell, Sanford, 109
Mayell, Valeria Eloise, no
McAllister, Lillian, 143
McConenll, Samuel, 64
McLees, Ella Herrick, 173
Melius, Ann, 78, 97
Merriam, Arthur Marshall, 152
Merriam, Charles Leighton, 113
Merriam, Gertrude Best, 112
Merriam, Rev. John, 112
Merriam, John Howard, 112
Merriam, Joseph Lawrence, 112
Mesick, Margaret, 24
Mesick, Maude S., 136
Miller, Byaly, 98
Miller, Carroll Du Bois, 99
Miller, Charles, 67
Miller, Clayton J., no
Miller, Edgar S., 99
Miller, Edward, 75
Miller, EmeHne, 68, 108

186

Miller, Emmett Rufus, 99
Miller, Ettie, 67
Miller, James H., 98
Miller, Jonas A., 99
Miller, Katherine, 84
Miller, Kittie Alta, 99
Miller, Lena, 57
Miller, Myra, 99
Miller, Sarah, 84
Miller, Wilbur, no
Miller, William J., 84
Miller, William J., 75
Mink, Philip H., 43
Minklaer, Elizabeth, 35, 58
Minklaer, Eva, 27
Mitchell, Gilbert, 164
Mitchell, Lewis, 164
Moore, Horatio E., 67
Morehouse, Lyman, 59, 66
Morris, Edwin Reynolds, 113
Morris, Jane Ellen, 113
Morris, Joseph D., 113
Mosier, Harriett Louise, 105
Mosier, Josephine, 116
Munkuttrick, Charles, no
Munkuttrick, Robert, 79, 10 1
Murray, Frank P., 167
Murray, Jean F., 169
Murray, Jenny B., 168
Murray, Joseph D., 167
Murray, Mable, 168
Murray, Marie A., 169
Murray, Martha, 167
Murray, Martha E., 168
Murray, Mary A., 167
Murray, Maud, 168
Murray, Mildred Emma, 167
Murray, Minnie M., 167
Murray, Russell, 168
Murray, Walter Arthur, 167
Murray, William, 37, 74, 167
Murrell, Clarence, 108
Murrell, Edward, 108
Murrell, Esther, 108
Murrell, Minnie L., 108

N.

Neal, Anna Virginia, 168

Neal, Evlyn, 168

Naal, John, 168

Nevius, Gertrude, 69, in

Niver, Berenice Hallis, 81

Niver, Florence Claudine, 81

Niver, Caroline, 72, 156

Niver, Norman Lewis, 81
Nolton, Alexander J., 164
Nolton, Wilfred, 164

Orcott, Lillian, 120
Orcutt, Adelbert B., 172
Orcutt, Gladys Jane, 172
Orcutt, Harlan Taylor, 172
Orcutt, Hazel, 172
Orcutt, Pauline, 172
Osterhout, Ira J., 138
Osterhout, John, 138

Packman, Caroline M., 127
Packman, Charles E., 127
Packman, J. Jay, 127
Packman, Jacob P., 127
Packman, Mary E., 127
Palmer, George, 85
Parker, Elly Z., 122
Parker, Jennie, 122
Paul, Malinda H., 71
Peters, Ada, 108
Peters, Allen B., 108
Peters, Clarence, 107
Peters, Harriet, 108
Peters, Milton, 68, 107, 108
Phillips, Augusta M., 123
Phillips, Clarence, 123
Phillips, Rev. David, 123
Phillips, Fred. M., 123
Phillips, Jennie, 123
Phillips, Jennie Mae, 123
Phillips, William, 123
Piester, John, 64
Platnaar, Mary, 43
Platner, Hendrick, 24
Platner, Marks, 53
Plumb, Catherine A., 58
Post, Sally, 75, 81
Potter, Alice W., 143
Potter, Frank E., 143
Potts, Ernest, 95
Potts, Jenny Shutts, 95
Potts, Margaret Best, 95
Potts, Mary, 95
Potts, Stephen Horton, 95
Powell, George B., 61
Power, Jacob, 24, 43
Pruyn, Mary Kate, 106

187

Q-

Queen, Lillie, 124

R.

Radcliff, Grace Marrian, 103
Radcliff, Philip, 103
Radcliff, William H., 103
Radcliffe, Mary Emma, 115
Raughtmaker, George W., 154
Ray, Catherine, 20
Reed, Amelia A., 71
Reed, Amelia Ann, 151
Reid, Frances Amanda, 71
Reynolds, 153
Reynolds, Ada B., 152
Reynolds, Calvin F., 113
Reynolds, Charles J., 113
Reynolds, Christina Maria, 112
Reynolds, Edwin R., 152
Reynolds, Eleanor, 112
Reynolds, Eliza Catherine, 112
Reynolds, Elizabeth Jane, 114
Reynolds, Ellen E.. 152
Reynolds, Emma F., 113
Reynolds, Eva C, 1x3
Reynolds, Eveline, 113, 153
Reynolds, Forence Josephine,

116
Reynolds, Harrison Edward, 112
Reynolds, Henry Harris, 113
Reynolds, Herbert Edwin, 116
Reynolds, Herbert D., 115
Reynolds, Hiram, 112
Reynolds, Isaac Dewitt, 113
Reynolds, James Miller, 116
Reynolds, John B., 72, 151
Reynolds, John L., 151
Reynolds, Lydia, 152
Reynolds, Mabelle Stanton, 116
Reynolds, Malinda, 113
Reynolds, Margaret, 113
Reynolds, Margaret E., 152, 153
Reynolds, Mary E., 152
Reynolds, Mary W., 152
Reynolds, Nellie M., 115
Reynolds, Phebe E., 113
Reynolds, Thaddeus C. S., 152
Reynolds, Thomas H., 112
Reynolds, William, 69, 112
Reynolds, William H., 113
Reynolds, William Whitbeck,

116
Reynolds, Tilleva, 153

Robeson, Harriet M., 170
Rockefeller, Harriet, 69
Rockefeller, Helen A., 98
Rockefeller, Philip, 24
Rockefeller, Robert, 98
Roff, Allen Archiland, 164
Roff, Frederick, 163
Roff, Helena Eliza, 164
Roff, Isaac, 163
Roff, Sarah Eloise, 163
Rogers, Henry Walter, 170
Rogers, Isaac B., 73, 169
Rogers, Martha M., 109
Rogers, Sarah Elizabeth, 169
Rogers, William Murray, 169
Rossman, Elithea, 82
Rossman, Elizabeth, 68
Rossman, Elliot, 82
Rossman, John, 75
Rossman, John G., 56
Rossman, Jonas A. 98
Rossman, Jonas F., 99
Rossman, LiUian R., 99
Rossman, Louisa, 75
Rossman, Nellie Blaine, 99
Rossman, Peter I., 75
Rossman, Sarah, 82
Rote, Anna M., 100
Rote, Helen Winifred, loi
Rote, Helena, 100
Rote, Kathryn Evelyn, 100
Rote, Marguerite, 100
Rote, Rensselaer, 79
Rote, Robert, 100
Rote, Stanley D., 100
Rote, Willis H., 100
Rowe, Ella, 86
Rowles, Carry, 94
Rowles, Samuel G., 94
Rurigh, Marytje, 20
Ruyter, Elizabeth, 35

S.

Safford, Sarah L., 172
Sayles, Solomon, 137
Scnermerhorn, Anna M., 90
Schermerhorn, George, 125
Schermerhom, Robert, 125
Schermerhorn, Ward, 72
Schmidt, Margaretha, 21
Schmidt, Petrus, 21
Scott, Anna Webb, 166
Seaman, Deborah W., 137
Serrine, Jennie L., 122

188

Sharp, Carrie Best, 143
Sharp, Elizabeth, 67
Sharp, Isaac E., 143
Sharp, Jane Elizabeth, 79
Sherwood, Daniel, 60
Sherwood, Daniel S., 62
Sherwood, Frederick A., 63
Shoemaker, Maria, 23
Shultus, Catherine Maria, 117
Shultus, Edward, 120
Shultus, EHzabeth, 119
Shultus, Grace Ada, 120
Shultus, Harriet, 119
Shultus, Hazel Inez, 120
Shultus, Horace, 117
Shultus, Jacob, 69, 117
Shultus, John, 117
Shultus, Levi, 117
Shultus, Peter, 117
Shultus, Robert, 117
Shultus, William, 119
Shultz, Helen Cornelia, 103
Shutts, Charles, 95
Shutts, Emmet, 95
Shutts, Margaret Best, 95
Shutts, Ophelia, 95
Shutts, Samuel, 56
Shutts, Stephen H., 76, 95
Shutts, Wilson, 95
Silvemail, Charles, 165
Silvernail, Etta Best, 165
Silvemail, Frank, 98
Sluyter, J. WiUard, 87
Smith, Addie E., 108
Smith, Agnes, 88
Smith, Arthur Eugene, 87
Smith, Bertha E., 173
Smith, Carlostin Sanford, 58
Smith, Catherine Maria, 79, 98
Smith, Christina, 86
Smith, Clara Virginia, 161
Smith, Curtis, 86
Smith, Edward, 86
Smith, Elizabeth, 24
Smith, Ellen R., 78
Smith, Emma, 85
Smith, Frank, 86
Smith, Frederick M., 88
Smith, Hendrick, 35
Smith, Henry, 57, 86
Smith, Jasper, 85
Smith, John H., 76
Smith, Margaret, 85
Smith, Martin, 85
Smith, Mary, 85

Smith, Maud, 87
Smith, John Rowe, 88
Smith, Lawrence, 86, 87
Smith, Lena, 87
Smith, Leonard, 85
Smith, Robert I., 85
Smith, Robert Stanton, 87
Smith, Stephen, 86
Smith, William Martin, 88
Snyder, Anna Maria, 22
Snyder, Catherine, 71
Snyder, Edna H., 116
Spain, Abraham M., 161
Spain, Chancey Hayes, 161
Spain, Lewis Best, 161
Spain, Velma Cliffe, 161
Spain, Walter Kyle, 161
Spain, Ward K., 161
Spalding, Alta Maria, 119
Spalding, Asa, 117
Spalding, Charles A., 118
Spalding, Charles H. Spurgeon,

119
Spalding, Christina C, 118
Spalding, Irving Asa, 118
Spalding, Kathleen Tuck, 118
Spalding, Norman Edward, 119
Spalding, Rowland Asa, 118
Spalding, Sarah Augusta, 118
Spalding, Willie Conrad, 119
Spalding, Willis Urann, 118
Staats, Sarah, 73, 163
Staley, Frank, 165
Staley, Herman Best, 165
Starr, Estelle, 63
Steams, Helen May, 146
Stickles, Edward, 56
Stickles, Grace, 84
Stickles, William, 84
Sudam, Charles, 81
Sudam, Elizabeth, 75

T.

Tact, Annatje, 20, 35
Tanner, Harriet, 58
Teats, Catherine, 80
Tenney, Marion L., 172
Terpening, Andrew, 122
Terpening, Edna Bell, 122
Terpening, Grace, 122
Terpening, Grover C, 122
Terpening, Harry H., 122
Terpening, Idella May, 122
Terry, Mrs. Sarah, 172

1189

Tiflfany, Charles David, 9;
Tiffany, Claude, 99
Tiffany, Gordon, 99
Tiffany, Harold, 99
Tiffany, Lila Erroll, 99
Tiffany, Mary Irene, 99
Tiffany, Rossman, 99
Totell, Dennis, 157
Traver, Louisa, 76, 91
Traver, May 139
Tryon, Henrietta C, 102

Van Alstyn, Eva M., 157
Van Alstyn, Irving, 157
Van Alstyn, Maud, 157
Van Alstyn, Nelson L., 157
Van Alstyn, Nettie, 157
Van Alstyn, Samuel K., 157
Vandenburgh, Jennie, 164
Van Deusen, Anna Margaret, 105
Van Deusen, Catherine, 105
Van Deusen, Edwin Holmes, 104
Van Deusen, Harriett Huyck,

106
Van Deusen, Margaret Ann, 104
Van Deusen, Mary Ellen, 104
Van Deusen, Robert Nicholas,

68, 104
Van Deusen, Robert Thompson,

105
Van Deusen, Robert Wendover,

106
Van Etten, Henry S., 56
Van Hoevenburg, Abraham, 69
Van Slyke, Arthur, 90
Van Slyke, Baltus B., 76
Van Slyke, Baltus P., 90
Van Slyke, Charles B., 90
Van Slyke, Charles C, 90
Van Slyke, Edgar J., 90
Van Slyke, Frederick E., 90
Van Slvke, Ralph S., 90
Varley, Alida, 125
Varley, Bernard, 125
Varley, Isabella, 125
Varley, Matilda, 125
Varley, Merwin, 125
Varley, Stephen, 125
Vernon, Murray, 169
Vernon, Samuel E., 169
Vernon, Vivian, 169

Vischer, Alida, 73
Vischer, Harold, 165
Vischer, James Nessle, 165
Vosburgh, Caroline, 58
Vosburgh, Marytje, 48
Vradenburgh, David, 23

W.

Wager, Katherine, 159
Waite, Harold, 135
Waite, Horace, 135
Waite, Isaac V. A., 135
Waite, Lillian, 135
Waite, Margaret, 135
Waite, William, 135
Walker, Ernest Vaughn, loi
Walker, James H., loi
Walker, Margaret Annabelle,

lOI

Waltermire, Alonzo C, 89
Waltermire, Anna, 58
Waterbury, Eliza Jane, 115
Waterbury, Frances A., 115
Waterman, Annette, 138
Watts, Nettie J., 119
Weaver, Edward A., 79, 98
Weaver, Henrietta, 98
Weed, Julia, 73, 167
Wendover, Cynthia Ann, 104
Wheeler, Martha, 73
Wheeler, Colonel S., 115
Wheeler, Silas R., 115
Whitbcck, Margaret, 116
Whitcomb, Mary, 64
Whiting, Elizabeth, 120
Whitman, Adelbert H., 170
Whitman, Albert H., 170
Whitman, John L., 170
Whitman, John M., 74, 170
Whitman, Lettie M., 170
Whitman, Ralph E., 170
Williams, Maria, 68
Wright, Eliza, 71
Wright, Ella F., 153
Wright, George, 152
Wright, May M., 153
Wright, Ray R., 153

Young, Ellas, 24, 47

iiiiis